Thank you Ken, this is extremely helpful.
The 1901–1902 estimate is particularly interesting because I have been trying to reconcile the serial number with the Birmingham proof marks on the barrels, which another member dated to 1887–1896.
This apparent difference in dates is one of the things I am most interested in understanding. Could it indicate that the barrels pre-date the completed gun, or that the gun was subsequently rebarrelled or otherwise modified?
The gun also carries Deeley’s Patent Ejector A649, Patent 17731/1897/236, “Patent One Trigger”, and what appears to be an early detachable-lock/Droplock configuration.
I would also very much like to identify the original customer, particularly because the stock has a gold oval engraved “A.C.M.”
I agree that $270 is quite a substantial amount for the factory letter, so I am trying to learn as much as possible before deciding whether it is justified.
Thank you again for taking the time to look into serial number 16143.
Thomas
