The RFD listing at Scotarms may indicate that whilst only the stock, action and forend were being sold the out of proof barrels still existed and could be collected by a Registered Firearms Dealer for re-proofing (if viable) or re-sleeving.
The Proof houses have tightened up as they feared that out of Proof guns were being exported, and for many years have insisted the out of proof barrels accompanying stocks, action and forends are notched at 9 inches from the breech so that they are only fit for sleeving.
If there is enough metal in the tubes a vendor could always opt to ask a gunsmith to re-bore and re-proof a gun so that if it passes proof it can be sold intact.
If the original barrels are missing from the stock action and forend the the auction house will normally make this clear by stating “only” or “barrels not available”.
There are many re-sleeved box locks, and not a few side locks, on the market at present which can be bought for much less than and often a fraction of the present cost of re-sleeving.
As the value of side by sides has dwindled, and the cost of sleeving has escalated, there are very few guns now financially worth re-sleeving .
Lady Meux’s 28 bore Purdey bar in the wood hammer gun being a notable exception.
