that gun is much earlier than 1890....a quick look at the "other useful information" at the bottom of the page here says 1871. and, while i'm far from expert, i don't think i've ever seen a scott with the adjustable bite that early - i'd suggest looking closely for apun number regarding the adjustment feature.
other than the few scars on the butt stock, the gun looks to be in surprising condition - hope it comes through with shining colors when you get it in hand.
best regards,
tom
As I said in the OP, the SN definitely indicates that it was numbered in 1871; however, the Scott history states the Geat Castle address was not used until 1872, and then only for the highest two grades. There is a note that it was also used for special order guns. My take is that it was started in 1871, then finished in 1872 as a special order gun with the lighter weight back action and 11 gauge barrels to save on weight. A close look at the muzzle doesn't show any indication it has been cut or tampered with. The listing for the sale quoted chokes, but I think that was based on the assumption that the bores were true 10 gauge. There is in fact no choke in either barrel. I believe they were built that way. I have one other Scott made in 1871 and it is a high grade single 8 gauge. It surprisingly is also a light for gauge gun (not much info but I did find a reference for their Light Waterfowl line) and weighs just over 9 pounds. It too has no choke and shoots .810 inch balls very well. Many guns of that period were made without choke, since shooters raised on muzzleloaders did not totally trust the concept. I have a number of Parker hammer guns of that period (1869-1975) that are also choke free.
