Exquisite Factory Engraved Boss & Co. Sidelock Over/Under Shotgun
The name Boss & Co. stands among the finest makers of sporting arms worldwide, a legacy established in 1812 by founder Thomas Boss. Donald Dallas aptly summarized their reputation with the phrase: “Builders of Best Guns Only.”This exemplary over/under shotgun, completed around 1955, represents the pinnacle of mid-20th century craftsmanship by Boss & Co., as noted on page 102 of Nigel Brown’s British Gunmakers Volume One: London.
The shotgun is crafted with blued steel barrels featuring a single red bead front sight on a hand-filed flat solid rib. The left barrel upper tube is elegantly marked with “BOSS & Co. 41 ALBEMARLE STREET PICCADILLY LONDON MADE IN ENGLAND.” Light scroll engraving embellishes the breech area, accompanied by period-correct London proof marks on the flats. The chambers are 2 3/4 inches with automatic ejectors.
Barrels are mounted to a casehardened sidelock action, beautifully engraved in classic rose and scroll patterns surrounding the “BOSS & Co.” signatures on both lockplates. Patent markings adorn either side, complemented by a harmonious blend of nitre blue and bright finished lock pins. The engraving gracefully continues onto the triggerguard, tangs, and toplever.
Features include bushed firing pins, double triggers, a right-hand rolled triggerguard, gold centerlined cocking indicators on the lockplates, and a tang-mounted automatic safety switch with a gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator. The gun is fitted with a finely figured, multi-point checkered forend with an engraved forend iron and an Anson button release. The stock showcases a semi-pistol grip with teardrop carved drop points, a blank gold inscription oval, and an orange rubber recoil pad for enhanced comfort.
Barrel and Stock Measurements (Unloaded):
- Bore diameter at 9 inches from the breech: Proofed at .729 inches, measured .731 inches
- Choke constriction: .021 / .012 inches
- Minimum wall thickness: .025 / .024 inches
- Drop at comb: 1 11/16 inches
- Drop at heel: 2 11/16 inches
- Length of pull: 14 1/2 inches
- Cast-off
- Weight: 6 lbs. 9 oz.
Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence, some slight thinning at the breech of the upper tube, and crisp checkering on the stock and forend. The lower ejector does not fire and simply extracts; otherwise, the gun is mechanically excellent. This is a great opportunity to own a gun from one of the world’s finest makers!
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