John is spot on!
I'm a 2" 12 fan and would have liked a 2" Arrieta but everyone I actually weighed or asked to have weighed was over 6#'s. With the era of digital scales, there is no more "I think it weighs".
The Brit boxlock 2" is a thing of the past as no one makes one and in my research, even Weisman's who own the Skimin & Wood name and whatever else was left over from the 'Blitz' cannot make you one. Now maybe Purdey or Holland will make you a sidelock but the cost, well you the know the old adage.
My J&W Tolley branded Abercrombie and Fitch weighs 5# 7oz, was proofed in 1939 and sold by Abercrombies in 1943(Letter and copy of sales record from G&H).
The action was probably made by Skimin & Wood and other parts by various Birmingham makes and assembled by Tolley as that's how those guns were made. G&H sales records show a number of small batches of these guns were made for A&F over the years and sold, so there are more out there. So if you want a true 2" 12 bore and are not willing to spend a small fortune, start looking or for a very nice 2&1/2" 12 bore(Arrieta makes fine guns, I don't know why I don't own one?), purchase an Arrieta from John!. -Dick
