^Lot 2264 RARE DAVID KIRKWOOD 1880 PATENT BOXLOCK GAME GUN.

Cal. 10 Ga. 2-3/4". S# NSN. Even though H&R was gearing up to produce Anson & Deeley patent guns by the end of 1880, Kirkwood's gun is thought to be the earliest American made boxlock shotgun. Examples are quite rare and many were made before David started numbering his guns. This gun has 28" two stripe damascus barrels with narrow matted rib. "D. KIRKWOOD" is stamped on dolls head rib extension. Boxlock action features automatic three position safety with gold rectangle, unique cocking indicators that protrude through rear of standing breech with cheeks of stock cut away for visibility and double triggers. Action is filed with extremely deep and swept fences that are a unique signature for these actions. Action is engraved with some sprays of well cut scrolls within geometric borders; "D. KIRKWOOD" is on each side. Trigger guard is engraved with spaniel retrieving a grouse on bow. No S# is present. Closely veined stump figured European walnut round knob pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/8" over hand checkered hard rubber buttplate and features raised carved side panels with drop points, fancy pattern checkering and a unique treatment of comb with raised carved border. Matching splinter forend with relief carved inlet horn tip has friction release with patent date "Nov 27, 83" stamped on loop. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Bore Diameter: L .769. R .745. Restriction: L .014 (mod). R .000 (cyl). Wall thickness: L .015. R .028. STOCK: DAH: 3-5/16". DAC: 2". CAST: cast on about 1/4". LOP: 14-3/8". WEIGHT: 7 lb. 4 oz. CONDITION: very good to fine. Barrels retaining most of their original brown. Action with traces of case hardening color. Stocks retain most of their original oil finish with a large number of knicks, dings and bumps. Checkering shows moderate wear. Forend checkering most likely re-cut. Bores are bright and shiny with polishing over some light pitting. Action is tight. Mechanically good. PROVENANCE: From the Private Collection of Berrien Moore III. (01-28457/MGM). ANTIQUE. $1,500-2,000.