This thread has begun to include thoughts from several other recent threads.
I mailed a wooden shipping crate to the seller, with what a reasonable person would have considered detailed instructions for packing. Nonetheless, the gun arrived in two days, via USPS Priority, with a chipped butt plate, and some minor, but noticeable chips in the toe, behind the chipped butt plate. Very disappointing when one considers the gun had survived in original shape for 120 years.
The letter reveals, what I had initially thought may have been the first V grade 28 ga. with 24" barrels, turns out to be the Second. As the letter states, the order from H & D Folsom requested Two Identical guns, and my new gun was the second of a consecutive pair. This fact alone is enough to negate any disappointment of it not being the first. Making it even more noteworthy, reading all the tables and grade data, these two guns may have actually been the first two 24" 28ga., Period.
The letter states that Folsom requested the gun weigh 5 and three quarter pounds, so I commend Mr. King for getting it within a half ounce. There is only the Kf mark and rough barrel weight of 211 stamped on the right barrel flat.
The barrels have been reblued in an acceptable finish, and the wood has been freshened, including pointing up the checkering. All things aside, I would still have been excited to have found this spritely little gem.
OK, Truth is my, my charter boat captain, hunter fisher diver daughter found it. She can text me a 4am, ANY TIME SHE WANTS.
|