I would doubt that the barrels were sleeved since the or final barrels were not Damascus on that VH grade gun. A 1/4" gap seems a bit excessive for a gun that only had a bit taken off the end of the barrels. If in fact they were.
An odd one for sure for there to be no serial number. Unless the barrels are aftermarket with an original rib used. But usually an original barrel lug and forend loop will be reused as well.
The guard having a different serial number would be be too odd of an occurance if the guard was replaced when it was restored. But, any quality restoration would have the correct serial number engraved on it.
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B. Dudley
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