GH 125995

[TARNATION !!!]

12 ga 1 1/2 frame. 30” F/F Damascus mirror bores Unstruck barrel weight 3# 14 oz. Chambers opened to 2 3/4”. All screws correctly aligned with no burrs. Some case colours still showing.
Very tight and on face. Balances just ahead of roll pin
CPG DHBP. DAH 3”. DAC 1 7/8” LOP to front trigger 14 1/2”. Wood very nice. There is minimal wear on the finish and the checkering is not damaged. If wood is the original, this gun has been well maintained over its 114 years.

Will check MBW thickness later.

Stock numbers to gun but I don’t know what the 2 shown in pic under the trigger bow means. Still learning. Anyone?? Cheers Jack

Sorry about upside down pic but if you stand on your head it should work

[B. Dudley]

The 2 is the grade.

And the P.B. is stock maker Pearson T. Bannister. See my article on him in PP Spring 2017 issue. Your gun is made 1904 which is right in the period that I have been observing Bannister's mark on stocks. 8 years before he died.

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Brian, thanks so much. Now you say it, that makes perfect sense. I had a feeling this gun must have been re-stocked. Wood is still proud of the metal and checkering has little wear and it doesn't appear to have seen it's time afield as there are no typical bumps and bangs of a field gun. I think the only marring of the finish are some safe dings. Adding to the thought that wood may have been replaced was the fact that the metal does show its age somewhat. I think people call that patina but I think patina arises more from lack of a simple wipe down after every use. Could be wrong about that. Anyway, I am pretty pleased with this gun. I'm more often than not mildly disappointed with an internet purchase but this one makes up for a few mild disappointments. The only reason for mild disappointments is learning too much on this forum and knowing this or that is not quite right. In the past, those little this' or thats would never have been noticed and I would blissfully shoot the gun in full ignorance and go pick up the rooster that fell to a gun with misaligned screws or an incorrect butt plate or......... Thanks for my continuing education to all who contribute to this forum. Cheers, Jack

[TARNATION !!!]

The chambers are 2 3/4" is there any reason to believe they have not been lengthened? I don't think that was a standard chamber length in 1904 but ...... Thanks, Jack

[B. Dudley]

I am not saying that Bannister’s mark means the gun was restocked. It means that he stocked it at the factory. He was the head stock maker in that time period. If anything, his mark verifies that the stock is original.

[TARNATION !!!]

I agree it is original. I just had difficulty believing that because it was too close to perfect. I have not seen a gun that is 114 years old with wood that looks like what must have been the factory fresh look.

Do all stocks bear the stockists initials? I did not see the P.B. but the camera did. Nice to know that info as well. Will be looking at your article later today. Cheers, Jack

[B. Dudley]

Based on the little bit that i see, i think your checkering has been recut.

The stocker marking the wood is not usually seen. Bannister is the only example i have seen in the hammerless era.

[TARNATION !!!]

I’ll get more pics when I’m home. Dog hike right now

[TARNATION !!!]

Guess that was a long dog hike. More pics. I looked closer at the stock and there are areas where the wood is not proud of the metal. That could indicate some sanding. Checkering I leave to Brian's skilled eyes as to refreshed or original. Cheers, Jack

[B. Dudley]

Yes. It is recut. Well done though.