^Lot 2269 WONDERFUL PAIR OF DAVID KIRKWOOD SIDELOCK EJECTOR

10 GA. WATERFOWLING GUNS SOLD BY KIRKWOOD BROS. Cal. 10 Ga. 2-7/8" (both). S# 1425 & 1426. Upon David's death in 1897 it appears that a large number of unfinished guns remained in the shop. Most likely some of these guns were finished by David's successors as orders came in. The shop was operated by David's son William and daughter Margaret until 1902 when it became Kirkwood Brothers. These guns are marked Kirkwood Bros. even though the guns were definitely made by David with all of his signature features. The 32" steel barrels are engraved "Kirkwood Bros. Boston Mass." on narrow game ribs with square shouldered dolls head extensions. Rear of ribs are engraved "1" or "2" with matching numbers found on top levers and forend tips. Bottoms of barrels are stamped with British provisional proofs. No other marks or patent dates are present. Case hardened actions fitted with back spring sidelocks of David's later design without dipped plates feature automatic safetys, sliding third fasteners, bushed strikers and double triggers. "Kirkwood Bros." is engraved on lockplates otherwise there are no markings or patent dates on actions. Guns are unengraved with the exception of afore mentioned markings along with "SAFE" and S#s on trigger guard tangs. Round knob pistol grip buttstocks made of well matched nicely marbled and lightly crotch figured European walnut measure 13-7/8" over hand checkered hard rubber buttplates and feature point pattern checkering and nicely shaped drop points. Fluted combs are shaped in traditional Kirkwood style. Matching splinter ejector forends have Anson type push buttons that actuate unique pivoting bolts that engage front portions of loops. The Kirkwood catalogs state that ejectors were available for an extra $25. MEASUREMENTS: Gun #1. BBLS: Bore Diameter: L .765. R .764. Restriction: L .020 (mod). R .015 (mod). Wall thickness: L .035. R .030. STOCK: DAH: 2-7/8". DAC: 1-5/8". CAST: about 1/2" off. LOP: 13-7/8". WEIGHT: 9 lb. 12 oz. Gun #2. BBLS: Bore Diameter: L .766. R .763. Restriction: L .034 (full). R .030 (full). Wall thickness: L .032. R .037. STOCK: DAH: 2-7/8". DAC: 1-11/16". CAST: about 1/2" off. LOP: 13-7/8". WEIGHT: 9 lb. 11 oz. CONDITION: very fine with some noted restoration on gun #1 with barrels and trigger guard re-blacked. Barrels on gun #2 retain over 90% original blue. Actions and lockplates on both guns retain about 85% original case hardening color. Wood on gun #1 appears to have a light oil refinish with some subsequent marks; checkering nicely re-cut. Gun #2 has what appears to be most of its original stock finish with oil added over some marks; one or two fairly heavy. Checkering appears to be cleaned but not re-cut. All bores are bright and shiny. Actions are tight. Mechanically good. Ejectors on gun #1 slightly out of time. The differences in condition are explained by the fact that "B" purchased gun #2 in the early 1980's. He found gun #1 at an auction about 30 years later. PROVENANCE: From the Private Collection of Berrien Moore III. (01-28467 & 01-28468/MGM). ANTIQUE. $4,000-8,000.