Well, my W.Chance 14 bore came in yesterday. It's a really fine gun. The LONDON SILVER STEEL barrels do have some figure on the underside, in fact completely covered with brown "crazy stripes"; no discernible pattern at all. Just worn away topside and elsewhere as someone opined on one of the other threads. Three Gold stripes with some beautiful engraving in between. I sure can see, or rather feel, the high carbon content Greener said there was in barrels so marked: they are heavy! Bores are nice. Some very minor "dusting" of rust in spots, but no signs of pitting at all, and I don't think they've been honed.
Engraving everywhere is finely done and deep in parts. I don't go in for game scenes, but the action has a single dog and a single pheasant flushing - same direction on each side! The dog(s) and bird(s) are very well done, certainly MUCH better than on many Parker and other "name" guns I've seen (no flying turnips!)
I can't find a serial # anywhere, which is in keeping with the mystery of this maker. Odd with such quality evident, but I guess there were a ton of workers who struck out on their own and went largely unnoticed back in the day.
The powder flask and shot pouch are welcome accessories, and they too are very nice and in fine condition. However, it's doubtful they are original to the gun. Especially the shot pouch, which has an interesting twist. Engraved on the lever that opens the spout are the words "Bishop" and "Bond St", no "of" in there, but of course the first thing you think of is Westley Richards. Did they make such items, and if so, wouldn't they engrave the company name instead of the "nickname" of the London proprietor/Cigar Store Indian figure? While I found the powder flask quickly in the Riling book, I can't find this pouch. It's a mystery - I just can't imagine there would be a connection to Westley Richards, yet why the aforementioned words?
Anyway, It is a fine gun, and once I get my camera working I'll post some pictures for those interested.
