It is a very early grade-2 hammerless and looks like it could be a good shooter but should be thoroughly checked over by a gunsmith well versed in classic American SXS shotguns and above all, accurately measure the barrel wall thickness and if it is mechanically sound.
We can’t see the frame size which should be stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug but, judging by the barrel weight, I suspect it is a 1-frame. Further, we don’t know what the serial number is.
That carving on the stock appears well done but certainly doesn’t enhance its value and only slightly puts it in a ‘folk art’ category and the fact that someone fitted a spacer between the stock and the butt plate really doesn’t affect the value one way or the other because the mortise for a spurred butt plate is still there.
Please show us the serial number and the frame size stamp as well as the other side and the bottom of the frame. Show the forend checkering, latch and tip too.
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"I'm a Setter man.
Not because I think they're better than the other breeds,
but because I'm a romantic - stuck on tradition - and to me, a Setter just "belongs" in the grouse picture."
George King, "That's Ruff", 2010 - a timeless classic.
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