i have contacted the seller and asked several questions;
please provide photos of the proofmarks, both flats and watertable; (it continues to astound me why so many sellers of good doubles never show proofs)
the photos show that the engraved markings at the breech end of the barrels appear to be rather heavily buffed, and the usually tight fitting of the dolls head to the action looks a bit sloppy... please show a photo of the rib legend;
the description states the barrels measure .028 & .029....are those the mwt? have you measured the barrels, or is that handed down information?
what do the bores measure now? are they in proof?
his reply was brief, accompanied by two photos, barrel flats and watertable (which i am not smart enough to transfer to this thread)...he answered no other questions, simply stating the gun was sound and strong, and had been hunted for grouse about 20 days per year by the prior owner. the proofs show a faint set of original b'ham marks that look to be from the 1905-24 era, and show 13/1 as bores. and, a set of the current (2005 forward) marks "crown over std", bnp, 12 x 65 and 18.7mm bores on both tubes. i read this as indicating both tubes have been honed from as little as .720 to .736 (at the time of reproofing), and that combined with the .028/.029 numbers would have meant these barrels were originally pretty thick for a light game gun? he also states that the gun "may" be refinished....i see blued triggers, blued heel & toe plates, obviously reblacked barrels, reblued bottom tang and screws, and obviously refinished wood/recut checkering. the watertable shows sn 68499 - which is 32k later than my sleeved 1890ish hollis, which is pretty much what lagopus describes above....but a dandy shooter.
i have some interest in this gun, but fear there is too little information to feel comfortable proceeding....and smell a situation that does not inspire confidence.
best regards,
tom
