I'm going to be careful how I answer this because there are a load of variables involved. A top grade gun would be made by the best craftsmen using the best materials available at the time, now, the customer may not like fine engraving so may ask for a best gun with simple border engraving.
Would this seem to us today , at first glance , a lower grade gun ?
Many colonial grade guns were built to incredible standards and could be used to knock a fence post into the ground.
The stock may be plain looking but strong and functional. Barrels may made a a bit thicker to stand up to knocks in transit too. In one man's eyes, this could be a better gun, to others, it's in the detail, intricate engraving even on the pins/screws, the level of finish of every part would be perfect.
It may be a case of studying the original orders and paperwork for the gun and working out which bits are the common denominator in terms of high quality ?
Is a diamond encrusted best gun better than one without diamonds ?
Could an off the shelf best gun really be classed as best or would it be made to fit the buyer ?
I'm guessing that only a small percentage of the people involved in the trade were actually involved with building the finest guns.
One of the most beautiful guns I've ever seen was a 20 bore single by Harper. It was tired but the detail was exquisite. Some of the sidelocks built by Scott were as well made and finished as what we would call a fine gun sold by one of the best London names.
I believe it's hard to pigeon hole a lot of guns without seeing the spec they were originally built to.
I don't think there's a right or wrong answer. Top grade could have chopper lump barrels, well known lock makers locks and a fantastic piece of wood, whichever ejector was fashionable at the time may be fitted, yet you could need the same gun with well struck and regulated dovetail barrels, non ejector and a strong grained stock rather than exhibition grade wood. Materials , time to build and therefore finish would determine the grade. I think you'd need to take it apart and see which boxes are ticked with what you find.
I'm no expert by any means but that's how I look at them.
Last edited by El Garro; 01/09/17 06:57 PM.
