^Lot 2238 FINE CONDITION FOREHAND ARMS GRADE 2 BOXLOCK

DOUBLE SHOTGUN. Cal. 12 Ga. 2-3/4". S# 3090. These well made guns were produced by Forehand Arms between Circa 1895 & 1897 and were offered in four grades from 0 to 3. Number made is not known however S#'s are found as high as around 3200. This grade 2 gun has 30-1/8" fine chain damascus barrels with flat matted rib. Large dolls head rib extension is cut for locking bolt. Barrel flats are stamped with S# and "2". "CD" is on bottom of barrel (chain damascus ?). Case hardened action is fitted with automatic safety and double triggers. Patent dates, S# and grade are on watertable. Action is engraved with about 50% coverage well cut scrolls within geometric borders. Pivot point on top lever is engraved "Forehand" "Arms" "Co" "Worcester" "MASS". Trigger guard with scroll on bow has S# on tang. Pistol grip buttstock made of well figured American walnut measures 14-1/4" over hard rubber buttplate embossed with checkering and a wild turkey. Side panels are nicely shaped and point pattern checkering is at grip. Hard rubber grip cap is embossed "FOREHAND" "ARMS CO". It is interesting to note that action cocking system is configured so that a button protruding through bottom of action must be depressed in order to remove barrels. Matching splinter forend with Deeley type release has shell embossed inlaid forend tip. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Bore Diameter: L .719. R .720. Restriction: L .024 (mod). R .026 (mod). Wall thickness: L .040. R .039. STOCK: DAH: 3-1/4". DAC: 1-7/8". CAST: neutral. LOP: 14-1/4". WEIGHT: 7 lb. 4 oz. CONDITION: exceptionally fine. Barrels retaining over 90% original damascus finish with very fine pattern definition. Action retains over 80% original case hardening color with silvering and evidence of cleaning around bottom also with some high edge wear. Stocks retain nearly all of their original finish with some light marks. Checkering shows little wear. Bores are bright and shiny and without noted problems except for some minor frosting toward breech end of left barrel. Action is tight; mechanically good. Given the relatively small production numbers, this particular gun is one of the finest condition examples known. PROVENANCE: From the Private Collection of Berrien Moore III. (01-28461/MGM). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.