Although not in vogue today, 26-inch smallbores with F&F chokes were fairly popular back in the day at least in certain sections of the country. I've seen a few by several makers over the years. Just by coincidence yesterday I got a nice Lefever 16 bore, original 26-incher on the XX frame and with choke constrictions at 34 and 35 points (pretty full for 16-gauge). She was made in late 1912 as best I can tell.
Gun came out of NC and the gent wasn't able to measure the chokes, although he told me be got it in the 70's and used it mainly for woodcock. I was thinking she was choked for birds at shorter range. Kind of surprised when I got my bore mike into the tubes.
Craig as you may remember I have 450+
American Field sporting newspapers dated 1903-1913 and when I have time I'll check for the dog's name in the Airedale listings in 1912 or so. Also if you PM or email the consignee's name I'll look for him too.