m. w., there is a classic mistake in Brit/Continental guns 0f trying to associate the gun's Original Quality (OQ) with the maker. The maker's name does have a role in the price of the gun as Brand Value (BV). OQ must be determined independent of BV. It cost Brit gunmakers pretty much the same across the board to produce and retail a gun of given OQ grade. G. E. Lewis, like many "lessor" makers could have gotten out a "best work" gun at any time he was given a commission to do so. Whatever skills, if any, lacking in his own shop were readily available via outworkers known to have "best work" skills. G. E. would have, of course, reserved quality control to him self. It would be no surprise to find a few "best work gems" among his bread and butter more pedestrian work. Most "best work" guns are sidelock ejectors (an aristocratic fashion statement), but there are a few "best work" boxlocks. There are a lot of very good boxlocks out there.
Here is a quick note on valuation. G. E. Lewis has BV level three (BV3). The gun you describe sounds like a third grade boxlock (30-50% good engraving, plain good quality walnut, good polish throughtout); OQ7. I'll assume the gun is in Current Condition level four (heavy use, but no abuse); CC4. BV3-OQ7-CC4 = $1,233. Better current condition and higher original quality grade; BV3-OQ6-CC3 = $2,320.
Hope that helps some.
DDA
Rocketman that helps a lot. Thank you. And thank you fellas, for all the good information. I apologize for not responding sooner but it's been quite busy at work.
The gun has game scene engraving; pheasants on each side of the receiver. The wood is rather plain but a nice color with a few character marks. The barrels are very nice, fluid steel and no dings. I can buy it for much less than Rocketman's estimate. It also has a nice wooden case fitted to carry both sets of barrels. Neither the owner nor I are sure if it is original to the gun. I believe I'll buy it. Worst part of it is both the owner and I are working on the north slope and I wouldn't get to take possession of it until late April. This expected to be a long hitch.
