Mike, I was just bored because I didn't feel like going to the gun club in the rain today! Though by staying home I actually got to see my University of Washington Huskies win a televised football game today!!!
We call the 16-gauge the "Queen of the Uplands." I guess I always refer to the 16- and 20-gauge Ansley H. Fox doubles as "smallbores." As I recall from stuff I read in my youth Elmer thought anything smaller then a .375 H&H was a smallbore.
I do think a lower grade NID in 12-gauge is probably the most "American Classic" double for the money, and suitable for most modern ammo too.
Someone back up the line suggested an early Sterlingworth or a later A-Grade Fox. I think I'd go for the early A-Grade Fox with its Krupp barrels and usually pretty nice Juglans regia stock.
