My hypothesis: Since the left barrel exhibits no evidence of a pin fire fill, it may well be a period replacement barrel. Perhaps the right barrel was the one that was replaced. That would explain the two entirely different composite barrels. It seems to be a likely explanation. If true, the work was performed by a master because there is absolutely no evidence of either rib being removed and reattached.
The breach face is clean and no radius exits where it meets the water table. I measured the distance between the tips of the firing pins, in Parker terms it’s an “0” frame. A very svelte frame it is. Very fortunate that it locks up tight, it may have seen limited use. The truth of it’s history is certainly unknown to me.
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Phlebas the Phoenician, a fortnight dead, forgot the cry of gulls, and the deep sea swell and the profit and loss.
A current under sea picked his bones in whispers. As he rose and fell he passed the stages of his age and youth entering the whirlpool. Gentile or Jew O you who turn the wheel and look to windward, Consider Phlebas, who was once handsome and tall as you.
T.S. Eliot
Last edited by Bruce P Bruner; 11-17-2023 at 08:17 PM..
Reason: Add photos
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