Good evening - new member here from the UK so please go easy!

I would value the forums view on a lovely E.M.Reilly I have recently purchased at the CLA Game Fair in the UK where I live. I got the gun in question from the Kelbrook Shooting School/Lodge who in turn had bought the gun at the Dec 13'07 Holts main auction. I was wisely counselled by Small Bore (Diggory) on the day so did not purchase in isolation.

The gun in question was obtained after a year of researching & looking and is a 12 bore push-forward underlever snap action hammergun, serial number 17393. It has 30" Nitro reproved bold Damascus barrels (in excellent condition and with c .025 remaining in both barrels), is engraved on the rib "E.M.Reilly, New Oxford Street, London and 2 Rue Scribe, Paris" with 2 3/4 chambers, bored true cylinder in both (reproofed 2007). The action incorporates the Purdey 1863 patent doube-bite locking bolt (patent 1104 of 2nd May 1863, use number 948.

It has a sprung push-forward underlever, carved percussion fences, round bar, rebounding sidelocks with carved faceted hammers, and is nicely engraved with fine acanthus scrolls and ropework borders. Fortunately, it also retains good traces of original colour hardening and finish, and the 14" (well figured) stock including horn butt plate is in excellent condition (original stock, rechequered well). Weight is 7lbs 4oz, and came with a two tired leather and wood case with removable oak tray and some original accessories. The case lid has a brass escutcheon inscribed 'A. HOLFORD GOWER. MORDEN HOLT. DATCHET" and has several old rail travel labels still visible.

My main queries are now as follows...

- the guns manufacture date/history if possible?
- any ideas on what type of Damascus barrel is shown (sorry for poor pics)?
- whether anyone has any ideas as to the original owner? All I can find is an Arthur Holford Gower who married in Cornwall, England in 1887.

Really looking forward to owning and using the Reilly in seasons to come. Also interested to hear whether others have any Reillys out there..
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and a final picture

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Last edited by CBL1; 08/07/09 03:35 AM.