IMO it's a Grade 4 or CH gun with a CH grade stock with the correct drop points that has been re-checkered to the BH style. The gun pretty well speaks for itself. Unfortunately the original owner's wayward son destroyed the original barrels by cutting them, one to a length that would be impractical for any purpose other than cowboy action shooting and the Damascus barrels were cut to render them highly illegal.
The engraving is certainly that of the Grade 4 of that 1899 period.
Yes, The left breech face of the barrel is not aligned with the breech face of the frame's standing breech.
Personally, except as a parts gun, I wouldn't waste my money... but that's just me...
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"I'm a Setter man.
Not because I think they're better than the other breeds,
but because I'm a romantic - stuck on tradition - and to me, a Setter just "belongs" in the grouse picture."
George King, "That's Ruff", 2010 - a timeless classic.
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