But an interesting one none the less. This is one that I acquired that had been found hidden under the windowsill of an old farm house and passed on to me by the new owner. It was a little rusty in parts but as it carried no initial price it was just about worth renovating due to its historical significance. I did some of the work required and a skilled Gunsmith did the bits I couldn't do. First thing was to see if it would pass re-proof; which it did but was only risked for black powder. And then the work began. Not a full restoration but just enough to give it a new lease of life. It is a first pattern Gibbs & Pitt patent of 1873 which was one of the first successful hammerless actions. The patent use number on this one was 37 which makes it a fairly early example. The name on the top rib is that of Robert Scott of Middlesborough who started his business in 1874 so was probably one of his first sales. It wouldn't win a beauty competition but it did dust a few clays last week. Lagopus.....
