Guns International #: 101855130
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Guns International #: 101855130
Category - Boss Shotguns
- Shotguns - English Double Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: brandonhal
Company: Member Since: 2/23/14
First Name: Brandon
Last Name: Halstead
State:
AE
Zip: 09468
Country: United Kingdom
Phone:
Fax:
Active Listings: 4
Total Listings: 29
Seller Type:Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Payment Methods: paypal; certified bank check
Boss & Co. antique hammer gun fully in proof & beautiful condition.
Description: Boss & Co. antique 12 gauge hammer gun fully in proof & beautiful condition. Offers; dealers welcome to discuss multiple purchases. Exceptional antique hammergun by one of the founding fathers of the UK best gun trade Thomas Boss. This is a fully functional, in-proof, antique masterpiece by one of the world’s best shotgun makers. Boss & Co. has confirmed that this 12 gauge rotary underlever bar action hammergun (serial number 15xx) was manufactured circa 1855-1856, just before Thomas Boss’ death in 1857. What makes Boss’ pedigree even more extraordinary is the fact that all shotgun manufacturing, engraving, fitting, etc., down to the thousandth of an inch, was hand-crafted without the assistance of automated machining, computer measurements, or electronic assistance. Absolute master craftsmen invested hundreds of hours into each shotgun they made by hand, with hundreds of additional hours devoted to the engraving, fitting & finishing of each Best Quality piece. An unusual find and in outstanding condition, this 12 bore’s origins started as a muzzle loading piece which was converted to breech loading in 1865 by Edward Paton of Perth, Scotland. Paton was renowned as being a specialist in the field of such conversions, and archives show this highest quality work would have cost a small fortune of £15 in that day. The maker’s name “THOMAS BOSS” was retained at the very top of each sidelock following Paton’s conversion. In beautiful condition, the action, sidelocks, hammers, and top strap are hand-engraved in Boss’ best border and acanthus scrollwork. This bold scrollwork is on both locks, with similar bold acanthus engraving and vinework on the floorplate, and smooth fences. Bold vine scrollwork is also on the under-lever, while the bowed trigger guard is engraved with a pointer dog, and more scrollwork with serial number “15xx” on the elongated backstrap, and the number “1” beside the serial number. The upright rebounding hammers are likewise engraved and checkered at the thumbs. Double bite action locks up tight. Following the conversion from muzzle to breech loading, the action flats were signed “EDWARD PATON.” Excellent condition on the interior, with no powder marks on the face or flats. Matching serial numbers “15xx” are on both barrels ahead of the barrel flats, and on the trigger guard. The original antique London proof house black powder proof marks are on the left and right barrel flats, denoting the “definitive” proof mark with a script “GP” under a crown. These same original London accompanying proof marks are likewise on the action flats. The maker’s regulating mark “T” is also on the forend loop. This gun comes in at a lightweight 7 pounds 2 ounces. Barrels have undergone complete inspection and re-proofing, with the flats stamped to confirm their safety & compliance with modern testing standards. Contemporary London proof marks show that it has undergone British Nitro Proof (NP) testing with standard “NITRO PROOF” compliance for 12 bore chambers (“12” in a diamond). These London proof marks verify that it has undergone recent testing, including the London heraldic marks of “NP” surmounted by an arm dexter in armor holding a scimitar, as well as marks showing post-2005 testing as confirmed by the “STD” under a crown, all indicating Proof House re-proofing measurements and standard nitro proof compliance to accommodate modern 2 & 3/4” shells (“70MM” annotated on the flats showing 70 mm metric measurement). As Terry Wieland highlights in his book “Vintage British Shotguns,” he states “If you buy an English gun… and the proof marks show it has been nitro proofed – that is, proven with smokeless powder – you know it’s safe to shoot with loads of the length and gauge marked.” The handsome browned Damascus barrels display beautiful patterns and great measurements – rare to find a Boss with original Damascus in such outstanding condition. The 28 & ¾” barrels with brass sight bead have been well taken care of over the past century and a half, with seemingly little use, and outstanding strong measurements coming in at over 26,000th thickness for the right and left walls, and a flawless mirrored interior – no marks or pitting. Cartridge chamber bore measurements are .734 and .732. With continued good care and cleaning after each shoot, this collector’s item should offer great future hunting well into the next century – a future family heirloom for generations to come. The maker’s details on the game rib reads “THOMAS BOSS 75 ST JAMES STREET LONDON” and is also marked with the number “1.” The chambers with extractors are sized for 2 & 3/4” (70 mm) shells, and has chokes of approximately true cylinder in both barrels. The interior of the bores are mirrors, while the outer barrels have warm brown Damascus coloring with only the faintest of handling marks. The well figured stock has nice sharp checkering throughout the hand and an overall dark grain, checkered buttplate, a brass oval on the underside of the stock suitable for engraving, and a 14 & ¾” length of pull. Only subtle handling marks on the wood, and no cracks or issues. The barrels lock up tight with absolutely no play in the action. Sharply checkered fore-end wood with engraved fore-end base, horn tip, and crosspin release. Good overall length and fit to this gun between the comfortable English straight-hand stock and almost 29” barrels provide for balanced shooting. This is a chance to own one of the finest shotguns of the early Victorian era or afterwards, made by arguably the best shotgun maker in the world; Boss & Co. made ONLY best-quality shotguns. It’s also an investment-grade antique that can be taken into the field without the worry or expense of spending upper five or six figures. Virtually no blemishes on the gun despite being a 165+ year old antique, mechanically and functionally perfect and ready for the next 165 years of shooting. A fine example of the master craftsmanship in UK gun-making from arguably the world’s best shotgun maker and premier member of the “Big 3” of Britain’s most famous craftsmen Purdey, Holland & Holland, and Boss & Co. With the growing popularity of wildfowling using classic British shotguns, and a surge in enthusiasm for hammer guns, this is a great combination of beauty and function without absolutely breaking the bank. Affordable luxury; ready for your next century of shooting! Terry Weiland, author of the reference “Vintage British Shotguns,” states that “Boss is one of the truly legendary names in British gunsmithing, always included as one of the top three and considered by many the best of them all. The company’s motto is ‘Maker of Best Guns only.’ Boss was never renowned for individual inventions so much as for the consistent, overall brilliance of its gunmaking.” Noted British gun specialist Jack Rowe rates Boss as follows: “They are best guns; you will not find better.” Expert George Caswell agrees and describes them as “Boss guns are always top quality – excellent plus…and command a 30 to 40 percent premium. Most Boss owners are astute gun people who take pride in owning one.” This is a pre-1898 firearm and qualifies as an antique with direct shipment to the purchaser. We are a U.S. military family stationed in the UK, and ship at an insured and flat rate of $125 because this package with the gun case is heavy; usually takes about three weeks to arrive in the US. Online member since 2002 with 100% positive feedback. Payment via PayPal or certified bank check accepted. Please note I am not a dealer and not an expert, but a private collector, have tried to enter all the details I am aware of for this gun, and will try to answer any questions as best I can. I am downsizing my collection and hope to find other US enthusiasts of classic English shotguns to re-home a few of these pieces. Thanks for your interest. Key words: sxs shotgun, vintage, side by side, British, English, double barrel, 12 gauge, 12 ga, 12g, 12 bore, side lock, sidelock, hammer gun, hammers. SOLD Antique: Yes Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge Manufacturer: Boss & Co Model: Best Hammergun Serial Number: 15xx Bore: 12 gauge Chambers: 2 & 3/4 Condition: excellent Metal Condition: Damascus Wood Condition: well figured Bore Condition: mirror Barrels: sxs Action: bar action sidelock Triggers: 2x Stock: English straight-hand Stock Cast: none Fore End: splinter LOP: 14 & 3/4 Rib: game Weight: 7 lbs. 2 oz. Manufacture Date: 1856 Chokes: fixed Choke Left: cyl Choke Right: cyl Engraving: yes Proof:Nitro: yes Minimum Wall Thickness Left: 26,000 Minimum Wall Thickness Right: 26,000 |
Guns International #: 101855130
Guns International #: 101855130