Bill,
If I understand 'provenance', that would be history?
Ordered 12/1882, shipped 5/1883 by/to E.C. Meachum Arms, St. Louis, MO.
8 gauge, Quality 1 hammer, Laminated steel (not marked), 34". F X F chokes. To achieve the 13 lb. specification, 'tis a 7 frame. Ended up a few ozs. over
13 lbs. Ordered w/rubber butt. No specs on stock length.
Appears to have had a faire amount of field use, bores were neglected. Acid hands at two places on the barrels. Stock appears to have been shortened, now has steel butt plate. Deadeye Dick mentioned the shortening was sometimes done to facilitate heavy winter clothing.
Checked with Brad Bachelder last Fall, about restoration, the acid marks and all. Haven't decided to let loose of it yet.
All in all, if I look that good after 128 years, I'd have a $ million marketing tactic.
Best,
DD
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