^Lot 2267 VERY FINE DAVID KIRKWOOD HANDMADE SIDELOCK GAME

GUN. Cal. 12 Ga. 2-5/8". S# 1280. A fine example of this well made American gun which was most likely their standard $135.00 grade described as "English Damascus or Laminated Barrels, English Walnut Stock, Neatly Engraved and Well Finished". This gun has 27" three stripe damascus barrels engraved "D. Kirkwood" on swamped game rib. Bottoms of barrels are stamped with remnants of English provisional proofs. Case hardened action fitted with back spring sidelocks features automatic safety, sliding third fastener engaging dolls head rib extension and Purdey type dual under lugs. Action is nicely filed, as David apprenticed as an action filer at Mortimer's. Engraving consists of about 50% coverage nicely cut scroll. Each lockplate is engraved "D. Kirkwood". Trigger guard with scroll on bow has S# on short tang. Strikingly stump figured and marbled European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-1/8" over hand checkered thin horn buttplate. Well cut point pattern checkering wraps completely around grip (the mark of expert layout). Nicely shaped drop points are also present. Matching splinter forend with inlet slightly schnabled ebony tip has spring tension release. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Bore Diameter: L .730. R .728. Restriction: L .032 (full). R .014 (mod). Wall thickness: L .025. R .029. STOCK: DAH: 2-1/4". DAC: 1-1/2"+. CAST: about 5/8". LOP: 14-1/8". WEIGHT: 5 lb. 13 oz. CONDITION: very fine. Barrels retaining over 70% original damascus brown showing off very fine pattern. Action retains about 70% original muted case hardening color. Stocks retain over 90% original varnish finish with a good scattering of light marks and dings. Checkering is lightly worn and shows re-cutting after repair of crack at wrist. Bores are very fine; shiny with some light frosting. Action is tight. Mechanically fine. Expert repair of crack through wrist is evident upon close inspection and appears to be very strong. One can truly appreciate David's fine work by comparing the fit and finish of this gun with any offering from the "Best" British makers. PROVENANCE: From the Private Collection of Berrien Moore III. (01-28458/MGM). ANTIQUE. $2,000-4,000.