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Should an English “ best” gun include a third fastener?
Would you prefer one with a hidden third fastener ( Purdey “nose” or similar, to one without ( all other factors being equal)?
I have always seen this feature as desirable, although I wonder if there is any actionable advantage over just the double under bolts.
Is a third fastener worth more when considering a “ best” gun purchase, should the lack of one be grounds for a discount ?
Are “ hidden” third fasteners more quality indicative than say, a dollshead or Greener/ Scott rib extension crossbolt?
I know that heavy proof guns consistently feature additional bolting features, but are they necessary for a general use 2 1/2” - 1 1/8 oz. Field gun ? Do they offer any advantages for keeping a gun tight and on face longer than a gun without?
Do third fasteners add anything to Rocketman’s value tables?
Thank for your comments.
Best Regards,
JBP

This gun in its day was considered "Best" having 2 1/2 inch chambers snap action with just one bolt to this day its original fitted when first built, keeping the gun closed for a hundred and fifty years with no work needed on it for the foreseeable future. As far as it goes it all depends on what the gun is built to do.

Some makers only used the 3rd fastener on heavy load guns, others barely ever build a gun of any quality without.
I think it is simplistic to correlate a 3rd fastener with a level of quality: as Dan S.W. says above, it is about what was accepted procedure in the area that the Maker inhabited, in time, geographical and industry areas.
Purdey only used the hidden 3rd fastener, which they patented, but they are not restricted to only heavy load guns: many customers simply requested them in their game guns. It was an option, nothing more nor less.
Blanch used a top extension extensively, in fact the absence is the exception rather than the norm but many of those guns are undoubtedly 'Best'. They also had through lumps on many of their 'Best' guns but that is a whole other wasp's nest!
I don't think I have ever seen a Greener without a top extension but I wouldn't advise telling a Greener nut that their 'Best' gun isn't!
I don't think it is a plus or minus feature in general, it depends on the maker and your personal prejudice!

They add nothing if they aren’t fitted with the utmost precision. A square bolt is more difficult to cut and fit than a round one.

A single underbolt is actually more than enough. Most doubles actually have double underbolts.

Best,
Ted

JBP, might it not depend on what sort of best it is? A best gun for heavy loads might be quite different than one meant for very light loads.

Brent, no reason for my dislike of the Greener crossbolt. I suspect it could be used alone and be substantial to work. I have a W Betts with one and it is the kind that does not protrude from the fences when opened, which is a little cleaner to my eye.