I have a Cogswell & Harrison Avant Tout for sale on Consignment. when I was taking photos I noticed a 1-1/2 oz proof. The manufacturer told me it was built in1888. Does this indicate a rebarrel or were English guns proofed that heavy in those days? The gun weighs about 7 pounds and has high dimensions. Could it be a live pigeon gun or a water fowler? Link to photos: https://imgur.com/gallery/VBhpS0o

The gun carries post 1904 nitro proof marks and no re-proof marks, likely a re-barrel.
Steve

If you look more closely the load it is proofed for is one and one eighth of an ounce, not one and a half.

It is proofed for the standard game load for British 2 1/2 inch cartridges.

Impressive set of initials on the case, second and third look like St J for St John (“Singen”).

Have you managed to identify the previous owner?

It looks to be a very nice outfit, and at that weight should be comfortable to shoot with even with the heavier 2 1/2 inch loads. Enjoy!

I am puzzled that you have been told that the gun number 29078 indicates manufacture in 1888.

Looking at serial numbers of guns illustrated in Graham Cooley and John Newton’s book it would appear (assuming, which doesn’t always follow, consecutive use of serial numbers) that it was made in the early 1900’s.

The barrels are therefore probably original.

C&H did say their records were incomplete and I didn’t send photos. So maybe it is post 1900. You’re right about the charge of 1-1/8. The 8 is a little fuzzy on the photos. No clue on the original owner. somebody pretentious from the initials style. I put it on gunbroker. If somebody here buys it I’ll pay the fee to Dave.