Wburns and Lee - not sure of the original barrel length, although if they have been cut, it was a remarkably good job. I don't know why the chokes would be so open though, unless someone opened them up after delivery...
I do think you're right about the handguard, I happen to have one (never used) and it fit right into the slight marks on the 12 gauge barrels. That's good to know!
There's nothing stamped in the wood of the forend, and the lines are very sharp and precise for 120 year old gun.
Pardon the many questions, but how would I know a "hot blue" from a reblack? The Westley Richards name and London address are still quite legible on both barrels, but obviously not as sharp as they were originally.
