^Lot 2383 SUPERB RELIEF ENGRAVED F.W. HEYM SLE 16 GA. GAME

GUN . Cal. 16 Ga. 2-3/4". S# 32604. The 27-1/2" dovetailed barrels with narrow matted rib are engraved "FR. Wilm. Heym." "MUNNERSTADT/BAY." on tops. Breech ends are deep relief engraved with 1-1/2" triangles of oak leaves and acorns. Barrel flats are stamped with 2007 German nitro proofs for 2-3/4" chambers. Rear lump is engraved "GERMANY". Coin finished sidelock action features non-automatic safety, hidden third fastener, bushed strikers, arrow tumbler end cocking indicators and double triggers (front articulated). Action is deep relief engraved with near full coverage beautifully carved oak branches with leaves and acorns. On bottom of action they surround two flying snipe. This fine work is surrounded by relief geometric borders. Lock plates are engraved with oak leaves surrounding game scenes with a pair of foxes sneaking up on some ducks on left plate and a pair of pointers pointing and honoring some grouse on right. Blued top lever is also relief engraved with oak leaves with thumb piece pierced to match. Trigger guard with more leaves has scampering hare on bow. S# is on tang. Very nicely veined and lightly figured dark European walnut sunburst horn capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2" over brown "Decelerator" pad. Stock features arched comb, intricate pattern grip checkering and nicely carved drop points. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Bore Diameter: L .663. R .663. Restriction: L .012 (mod). R .005 (IC). Wall thickness: L .032. R .026. STOCK: DAH: 2-15/16". DAC: 1-7/16. CAST: neutral. LOP: 14-1/2". WEIGHT: 6 lb. 1 oz. CONDITION: exceptionally fine as lightly refinished. It appears that gun has suffered from poor storage at some time. Barrels retaining essentially of a "best" re-black; sharp details somewhat softened. Action beautifully coin finished; left side engraving is sharp and clear. Some details on right side such as pointing dog and some oak leaves show some cleaned pitting. There is also some light cleaned pitting on trigger plate. Stock finish is likely original with only a few minor handling marks. Checkering is still light in color with little wear. Bores are bright and shiny throughout. Mechanically crisp. There is a 1/2" stress crack behind left lockplate and a minor 1/8" stress crack behind top tang. A beautiful small bore gun. PROVENANCE: From the Private Collection of Berrien Moore III. (25-6026/MGM). MODERN. $4,000-8,000.