Lot Essay
The makers have kindly confirmed that the guns were completed in 1898. Interestingly, the Beesley books record both numbers without the 'O' prefix
Details
AN INCOMPLETE PAIR OF 12-BORE SIDELOCK EJECTOR GUNS BY F. BEESLEY, NO. 01392/9
Gun No. 1 without barrels, the fences chiselled with stylized acanthus leaves, best bouquet and scroll engraving with slight traces of hardening-colour, figured stocks, No. 2 (cracked at the hand) with extension, the Whitworth-steel chopper-lump barrels with game-ribs
14¾in. stock (No. 1) and 14 7/8in. pull (No. 2)
No. 2 only:-
Weight 6lb. 7oz., 29¾in. barrels, both approx. I.C., 2½in. chambers, recent nitro reproof (barrel-thicknesses marginal)
In their brass-mounted leather case
Gun No. 1 without barrels, the fences chiselled with stylized acanthus leaves, best bouquet and scroll engraving with slight traces of hardening-colour, figured stocks, No. 2 (cracked at the hand) with extension, the Whitworth-steel chopper-lump barrels with game-ribs
14¾in. stock (No. 1) and 14 7/8in. pull (No. 2)
No. 2 only:-
Weight 6lb. 7oz., 29¾in. barrels, both approx. I.C., 2½in. chambers, recent nitro reproof (barrel-thicknesses marginal)
In their brass-mounted leather case