doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Rating English Gunmakers

So, how do we define "Standard of Finish"? What is a "Best Finish?" Is it like famous quote re: pornography " I can't define it but I know it when I see it? "

Do we start with the various components eg barrels: barrel striking, blacking, soldering, chopper lump, proof, balance, and so on? How about a sunburst or the engraving?

How about the internals? Gilding is a plus but is it a sufficient condition to get in the first tier?

Maybe some gunmaker can state what the standard of finish should be to be a Best Finish?

I know you are out there.....

Snowing here in NH

Barrels are the first thing that comes to mind for me. Well struck and lively throughout the entire lenght, nicely finished and perfectly blacken. Chopper-lump and lump-not-through too!

I agree that fine barrels are a necessary condition. If the barrels are not well-struck and blacked it puts the gun out of the running from the get-go.

Further, perhaps Gough Thomas was on to something when he spoke of some guns as being "eumatic." They just have to look AND feel right. The enquiry continues...