David - by “all special order” I meant the engraving, lack of rib extensions. I will clarify the ad. No harm intended. It might have been more gentlemen like to ask me a question in private before assaulting my character.

I've not done business with Josh, but I have met him, been advised on gun sales questions by him, and have been overall just paying attention.
Josh L is for real, and a true resource to our community. Go to him with real questions, and receive real answers.
That's been my experience.

I have done business with Josh on several occasions. He has a wealth of knowledge and it is always a pleasure to do business with him. Josh will always answer any questions I may have honestly and I can make my own decisions.

That gun has been shown at Hausmann's several years ago, and owned by several members, at various times.

Interesting to note, that both fore end irons, which were extractor, were used in the conversions, but it appears they were done by two different men. I do remember when the gun was at the NE SxS, the fore end, whose hammers move fore and aft, was troublesome, But until just now looking at the pictures, don't remember the other fore end.

Of interest, the letter states gun was ordered & deliverd with 30" open choked barrel. In 1902 2nd 30" full choke barrel added. The GI listing claims 26" open choke barrel & 30" full choked barrel. Was the Parker book incorrect, or was the 30" open choked barrel cut down to 26"? In picture #18 the left barrel extractor looks like it was broken & welded up; excess weld. Also, forearm has 2 big cracks in the botton of the wood.

Edgar,

I do recall seeing a gun very similar to this one. A C grade with floral engraving. But do not think it was this one. I recall it being in original condition and not having aftermarket ejectors. I think Larry Frey may have had it.

You’re partly correct Brian, it was Larry, who had it at Haussmanns. I don’t specifically remember the condition, as much as the lack of rib extensions and aftermarket ejectors. His wife shot it with us on the lower course, and Larry said it was giving her trouble.

Edgar and Brian are correct, I did own this gun for a short time but sold it on this site six years ago to another member. It was my belief that the first set of barrels were cut to 26'' possibly due to damage and a second 30'' set was ordered as per the letter. I seem to recall the barrel wedges were installed in the short barrels which could mean the work was done at the factory but it was not referenced in the letter so who knows. I have not seen the gun since the Turnbull restoration so if another member gets it hopefully, I will get to see it again someday.

I have no doubt many would take exception to this, but if it were my gun, I’d do away with both fore end irons, and return the gun to its original state, as an extractor gun. I don’t feel that the after-market ejector system adds any value to the gun.