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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 718 Likes: 104
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 718 Likes: 104 |
A Boss RUL hammer gun appeared at an auction in Canada on Sunday. Boss Hammer Aside from the horrible description ("12 ga flintlock") a decent price was achieved of CAD$3000. A careful look at the rib inscription, not aided by the horrible photos, indicated that the barrels were by another and thus period replacements. I bid in the early stages but my max bid was eventually eclipsed. As far as the condition, I would say that the gun had been carried a fair amount as the engraving at hand was softened, but the lock plate was in much better shape. The replacement barrels looked strong and original to my untrained eye. Interestingly, there were about 20 additional photos posted on Friday that have since been taken down. The proof marks showed only BP proof from the Birmingham proof house. I always wonder...did perhaps a Canadian member on this forum win this one? Also, what can we glean from the sale price achieved?
Owen
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,718 Likes: 479
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,718 Likes: 479 |
As they say, that gun has a lot of original condition, mostly well used and worn. Without measuring the barrels I would not even be tempted to bid on it. For CAD$3,000 I would expect a better gun f bought at Holts or other auction venue. Auctions are too often contest between two or more bidders rather than a reasoned estimation of value. Not too long ago I watched Remington 12 Economy loads sell for over $20/box plus shipping. That brought them up to $27.00+. Too much for promo loads.
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 427 Likes: 76
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 427 Likes: 76 |
Number 2945 was the last pinfire made by Boss & Co.; number 2955 was made around 1871, so quite an early Boss centre-fire. I think the buyer did well.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,857 Likes: 384
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,857 Likes: 384 |
Sounds and looks like a good deal these guns had great engraving
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 156 Likes: 17
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 156 Likes: 17 |
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 718 Likes: 104
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 718 Likes: 104 |
Yes those are some of the deleted photos. It really looks as if the gun is largely original. Those screw slots have been carefully looked after and the brown on the Damascus could be original. May even be a somewhat original finish on the stock under the dings.Yes, I’d love to hear from the winner.
Owen
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,124 Likes: 195
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,124 Likes: 195 |
Just looking again at the photographs I first thought it was the angle the photographs where taken but it is not. I am sure that the final purchaser of this gun is in for a large helping of Auction buyers remorse. Those hammers did not start out life with the gun they are to big the hammer faces are at the wrong angle to the strikers also one is so high its head it will not hit the striker centrally, also the strikers are a little low with one hammer breast hitting the fence. I also feel that the hammer engraving is not in the same room as the rest of the lock plates. As Boss at the time was one of London's premier makers it all does not add up IMHO.
The only lessons in my life I truly did learn from where the ones I paid for!
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 56 Likes: 7
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 56 Likes: 7 |
Regarding Boss #2935:
I must say that I am not disappointed with this gun - no buyer's remorse here.
The replacement barrels by Tolley are in very good shape - clean and without pitting, both measure around .730 and have at least .032 wall thickness. A trifle heavy, perhaps, but the balance point is slightly ahead of the hinge pin and the 7 lb, 2 oz weight will be good for clays. They are on-face with solid lock-up. The Brazier locks remain in excellent condition with crisp trigger pulls around 4 to 4.5 pounds. I'm sure that the hammers are original and they hit the strikers smack in the centre. The screws are in good to excellent condition.
The metal is proud of the wood in places, but the stock is sound and wood-to-metal fit is excellent. I think many of the little dents can be steamed out. The leather case is all intact, with good stitching, solid straps and handle. Not an oak frame, but it has those lovely heavy brass corner protectors in place.
So there you have it - an old but unmolested Boss. I look forward to discovering more about its history.
Last edited by mbatten; 11/28/23 10:36 PM.
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3 members like this:
JBLondon, Imperdix, mc |
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 311 Likes: 11
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 311 Likes: 11 |
Regarding Boss #2935:
I must say that I am not disappointed - no buyer's remorse here.
The replacement Tolley barrels are in very good shape - clean and without pitting, both measure around .730 and have at least .032 wall thickness. A little heavy, perhaps, but the balance point is slightly ahead of the hinge pin and the 7 lb, 2 oz weight will be good for clays. They are on-face with solid lock-up. The Brazier locks remain in excellent condition with crisp trigger pulls around 4 to 4.5 pounds. I'm sure that the hammers are original and they hit the strikers smack in the centre. The screws are in good to excellent condition.
The stock is shrunken away in places from the metal, but the wood is sound and wood to metal fit is excellent. I think many of the little dents can be steamed out. The leather case is all intact, with good stitching, solid straps and handle. Not an oak frame, but it has those lovely heavy brass corner protectors mounted.
So there you have it - an old but unmolested Boss. I look forward to discovering more about its history. I'm pleased to hear of the satisfactory outcome with your gun. Looks very nice.I hope it will be put to good use and gives you some pleasure, Regards
Last edited by Mr W martin; 03/10/22 03:57 PM.
NA
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,718 Likes: 479
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,718 Likes: 479 |
Glad you are happy and it sounds like the gun ended up better that the pictures.
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