The hole behind the forarm hanger is a weeping hole. It's necessary when refinishing barrels so the rib cures correctly.
I cant speak to the man's reputation. But I also can't rectify "factory original in every way"...with that hole.
NDG
A weep hole is most definitely not an indicator of a refinish job. MANY, especially American made doubles, came from the factory with said weep holes already drilled in them.
With that said, I don’t think I agree with Jay about the gun being 100% original to include the finishes. My spidey sense is telling me that this beautiful, high grade, very rare, American made double has seen some work. The gun just does not carry the patina it should have, even if it spent its life in a climate controlled storage area. The finishes, specifically the barrels and the furniture just look a little too new in my opinion (not that that means a thing btw!).
It’s a gorgeous gun, regardless.
