Originally Posted By: Argo44
Well, the ad said (with the side fences and flat rib and 30" steel barrels) that it was built to "pigeon gun specs." Terry says that the Whitworth barrels alone were an indication of quality.

I"true cylinder," "1/2" - a combination I like) so I doubt it's a pigeon gun (unless the chokes have been relieved)...16 bores in pigeon shoots were shot from a pace closer to the target than 12 bores in the 1880's I believe. Stan would know more.

I date it to 1886. It still has "Paris" on the rib - explained in the Reilly history (Reilly closed rue Scribe in July 1885). It has been rechambered (I assume) for 2 3/4 (might have been original though?) and reproofed for nitro but still has a legible "not for ball" on the water table. Note the identical specs right down to reproofing for both guns...except for LOP....14" for the 16, 14 5/8" for the 12.


"mAtched pair" my dAiry'air.

Fooled by the ol'Pigeon gun trick....

"Not for ball" might be a little old for Whitworth steel barrels....

"True Cylinder" wouldn't be marked "Not for ball"....what you got there is a hone jOb with lengthened chambers.

Blued Damascus maybe...get her out in some strong sunlight and get back with me.

I must say 'nice tarted up pAre...

Couldn't happen to a nicer skally'wAg.