I've seen some genuine Boss guns from that period that were mediocre. That was when the Paddisons took over. Not the best period for the company.
Were other Boss hammerguns built on Brazier-patent snap actions?
More about Brazier:
https://www.internetgunclub.com/archived-forum/posts.php?topicid=1426From that post:
"In 1864 Joseph Brazier reportedly patented a snap action breech loading mechanism, (patent not traced). An 1864 advertisement stated "JOSEPH BRAZIER manufacturer of BEST BREECH LOADER ACTIONS AND BARRELS, BEST GUN LOCKS, REVOLVING PISTOLS, BULLET MOULDS, PATCH CUTTERS ETC. Also all kinds of forged work used in the trade, Gun Implements, Nipples, Rifle Sights, & c. Gun Furniture, Wadding Punches, Rifle Traps, Etc. The Ashes, Wolverhampton." An 1871 advertisement said much the same."
I still think it was made by Brazier for Boss, maybe as a prototype. You can see that there's room on the triggerguard for a serial number.
But I do agree with Kutter on the bbl engraving. It doesn't look legit to me.
OWD