This fine gun was built by Boss & Co., one of the best builders of fine arms in the world, between 1926 and 1930 according to information given on page 239 of Donald Dallas' aptly named book "Boss & Co.: Builders of Best Guns Only". The gun has blued steel chopperlump barrels featuring a single bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is signed "BOSS & Co. 13. DOVER STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON, ENGLAND.", scroll engraving at the breech, correct period London proof marks, and 2 1/2 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to a casehardened assisted-opening sidelock action which displays near full coverage classic bouquet and scroll engraving surrounding "BOSS & Co." signatures on either lockplate before extending to the triggerguard, both tangs, and toplever. The gun features double triggers, gold centerline cocking indicators on either lockplate, a right hand rolled triggerguard, and a tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid "SAFE" indicator. The gun is mounted with a nicely figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings as well as a highly figured straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, a "S.K." marked in the gold inscription oval, and a serrated bare butt. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at "12" (.729 inches) and measured .731/.730 inches; choke constriction .006/.009 inches; minimum wall thickness .026/.025 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 3/4 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 12 oz.
Very fine, retaining 90% plus refurbished blue finish with some loss on the lower tang and some thinning near the breech, 30% original case colors with the balance a fine grey patina, some minor freckling, and overall light handling evidence. The freshened wood is also very fine with a few light dings and scratches and softened but well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.
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