Had a gun delivered to me today for comment. This is a new one to me. I first thought that it is just another Belgian Clunker with deceit in it's background but I may be wrong. Gun is a 12 gauge SXS. Boxlock with scalloped back, Greener style cross bolt, dual Purdey style underbolts, Deeply engraved breech balls with a vine motif, Side Clips, Full coverage engraving on action, trigger guard, - tight rose and scroll motif, checkered side panels, drop points, nice circassian walnut stock and fore end with 28 lpi checkering
Barrel proofs: Star over N , ELG in vertical oriented oval surmounted by a crown, what appears to be an eagle in flight with spread wings and tail feathers, a R surmounted by crown, an X surmounted by a small star, 12 over C in a diamond, D = 70 / 20.6 , All of the numerical markings are recognized for what they. Now some interesting stuff. Barrel is engraved within a long oval relieved into the rib " EMIL KERNER, SUHL "
The action flat is proof marked as is the barrel flats with what appears to be a tower on a base or perhaps something else - looks like a stick on a flat diamond - along with the aforementioned star over X. The barrels have very strong damascus pattern with a lot of colour contrast black and silver and you can easily feel the pattern while running your finger along it. The pattern is one with which I am not familiar and I first thought it was one of the "faux damascus barreled guns" however a touch of blue remover under the fore end indicates that it really is damascus, it has a very intricate pattern. The rib is also nicely engraved, a gold "SUR" at the safety button. Anson style fore end release, Ejectors, 74 cm long barrels. This appears NOT to be a low grade crapper as the inletting and fit of wood to metal is very good. Anyone want to venture who the Maker was? I don't want to tell my friend he has JABC when he may have something much better. It sure looks better than any JABC that I have seen. I will attempt photos tomorrow but if anyone can offer any insight I appreciate the help. Thanks Slate