I. W. Laird & Co....20 Hammer..

[Kensal Rise]

Mr. VanHorn:
Your photos do not reveal much of the wood. But from what I can see, this stock may be due for a professional refinish. By an English trained stocker. And chequering recut by hand... not a machine!

Think positive thoughts on your barrels. They will likely be usable.

Kirk M. can advise on all this gun needs.

[Jerry VanHorn]

If the barrels are OK..then the checkering and refinish will be done as it should be. I will use Timberluxe for the finish. The wood has no repaired cracks..or serious defects. I have had the gun apart..and soaked the wood for days in acetone..then alcohol.. which removed all the oil soaking in the head. The head is sound..no repairs ever..It's a wonder the grooved butt has not been chipped since 1896. Chris Dawe did the recut and touch up on the Trojan 20 beavertail. Can't get much more professional than that. This is not a Purdey or H&H..so I think nicely refinished barrels...along with case coloring..will do what it deserves. All depends on the barrels..