KyBrad3 - The 12 - 2" is more like our 20 - 2 3/4" as it is typically loaded with 7/8 to 1 oz of shot. It was just a compact hull that gave up all cushionig but bare minimum and took advantage of the lower volume of nitro powder.
To paraphrase Lady Somebody on the Brit aristocracy, "Like Mayflies, from a distance we appeared to float lightly through the air, while up close we were all beating our wings furiously ---." For people who wish to be seen living rich, there is never enough money. When children learn to spend and not to earn, you may be sure the family will disperse any fortune accumulated quickly. The name of the tune the Pied Piper of Hamln played was probably, "Ain't Gonna Work no More!" Families who tie their fortunes up in a trust usually wind up with a bunch of bitter people living on an inadequate allowance and hating Dad/Grandad for not leaving more. Somehow, the concept of earning seems to get factored out.
Spent the afternoon in London. After a very nice session at William Evans discussing guns and other cosmic things, I took a window shopping strole to refresh my memory on just how easy it is to spend large green on baubbles and services. IMO, guns were one of the least of your basic aristocratic family's worries.
