It's the real deal. It was made for the 1876 centennial and is so noted in the stock book. It's one of 5 D6"s sold to the Parker Bros store in NY for $300 along with other lesser grade guns for the centennial. There is a notation for each of these guns being for the centennial in the stock book.

It's a 12ga, 28" barrels, 7 1/2lbs, 14 1/4" pull, full choked, pistol grip.

I can't believe it does not have a "Sale Pending" sign.

Here you go.. it is a skeleton butt plate. Just no picture.
http://www.gunsinternational.com/Par...n_id=100265856

There has a bulge 3" from muzzle on left brl. Bores measure 754=755!

It has some serous drop at comb, 2 1/8

I've seen lots of paintings which used Trompe L'Oeil to create depth, but this is the first time I've seen the work of an engraver employing the technique.
Very beautiful gun, that's for certain.

If the lock plates were stepped I would expect to see the step continued into the wood, and it is not.

Exactly, Dean. I picked up on that, admittedly after many oogles.

Gary, as you know, the bore diameter is within limits for early guns. As for the steps, we will have to wait for a fingernail test from the first one of us to actually inspect the gun. I'm willing to wait.

Angel she's waiting on you to finish the adoption papers. to speed things along I just happen to know a foster home for a certain straight grip 16ga hammer gun:)