Barrel length 76 cm (30"), stock length 36.5 cm ( (14,5"), overall length 119 cm (47"), choke cyl & 1/8 (cyl & cyl), weight 3,0 kg, year of manufacture 1904, British proof, condition 1.
Concave rib inscribed with the address "73 St. James's Street", ejectors, bright bascule with hardening colors still visible, engraved with fine arabesques and delicate floral bouquets, sidelocks with present springs, sears, cocking pointers, blued pins, absolutely masterfully engraved with pheasants and hounds on left, sweeping drakes on right and ducks on bascule underside, slide safety on left lockplate gold inlaid with "Safe", double trigger, engraved with a sliding duck on the bearded edge trigger guard, gently curved grained walnut stock with polished oil finish, drop points, straight grip, carved horn stock cap, forend with Anson pusher, gold inlaid stock monogram plate engraved with feathered fowl, all gun parts numbered "2" as part of a former pair, in a leather covered oak wood case with trade label with matching address, includes oil bottle and Boss snap caps.
According to Boss history handed over as a pair numbered 5099 and 5100 completed on April 25, 1904 for George Zenwick, described by the gunsmith at the time as "A pair of 12-bore top notch hammerless ejector guns, double trigger, right cylinder, left special cylinder, to finish 6 3/4 lbs, well balanced and to have safeties on the side [...]". Not only in an exceptional finish and outstanding quality, this shotgun is also in perfect condition!
As with many other historic London gunmakers, the story of Thomas Boss, born in 1790, goes hand in hand with that of Joseph Manton, where the former served his apprenticeship. In 1812, he finally went into business for himself and founded Boss & Co, initially with the further processing of existing weapons up to his own production. Prominent names such as Stephen Grant and Edward F. Paddison worked in the company, but none had such a lasting influence on the development of Boss & Co as John Robertson. Already an experienced gunsmith, Robertson not only contributed existing patents (safety, ejectors) but was instrumental in the development of a safe single trigger for s/s shotguns. This was to become one of the most distinctive features of Boss s/s shotguns, which, despite their typically English (straight) stock, were so different from other British manufacturers. Boss & Co grew over the decades to become one of the best known and most renowned London manufacturers. The partnership with Robertson from 1891 onwards had led to new heights, but at the beginning of the 20th century the introduction of the Boss Over Under Shotgun was the perfect sensation. Due to the Boss systems, the locking and anchoring of the barrels to the bascule was considerably slimmer and flatter than other manufacturers were able to realize. In addition to the various milestones of development, many changes of seat within London also adorn the history of Boss. Since 2015, Boss & Co has been owned by Arthur DeMoulas, a businessman and investor with Greek roots.
Category: Shotguns