Well there you have it Ted. When you own a single Ithaca Model 37 pump and maybe have an N.I.D. on layaway, you too will be qualified to evaluate this Darne like Jagermeister. Since you were commenting upon the unusual weight and choke boring rather than the fit and finish, I guess we can conclude that Jag is able to read your mind too when he remarks that your new gun is probably not a special order.
Anyway, she looks like a keeper that led a sheltered life. At .716" bore diameter, it is actually closer to 13 gauge, so perhaps the chokes aren't overly tight. It will be interesting to hear how it actually patterns.
All he has there is old gun made for farmer to shoot: crows, ravens, rooks plus european hares. European hare shooting requires heaver gun and stout loads of #4s or even larger shot. Yes, as you suggest it would have been good keeper's gun. Those are people who took care of game on estates so that barons, dukes,.... could have something to shoot at.
