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Lot 1269:Engraved Fisher Boss Double Barrel Flintlock Shotgun

August 27th, 2022|Rock Island, IL
Estimated Price$7,000 - $11,000
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Unique Documented Engraved Fisher Boss Double Barrel Flintlock Shotgun

Fisher Boss, second son of William Boss and elder brother to Thomas Boss who would go on to establish the world famous gunmaking firm of Boss & Co., followed his father into gunmaking. Not a great deal is known about Fisher beyond that he was baptized on November 23, 1788, in the Parish of St. Ann’s, Blackfriars, London. We know he was a gunsmith from the Last Will and Testament of his father William who stated “I first give a set of tools in my trade as a Gunsmith to my son Fisher Boss to be selected by my son and Executor William Boss (William’s first son and elder brother to Fisher and Thomas) from my workshop as soon as my said son Fisher Boss shall have attained his age of twenty-one years”. With the will being proved in 1809 and Fisher almost 21 years of age when his father died, it can only be surmised that perhaps Fisher made this gun as a one off piece or actually went into business for a short time with a likely date of manufacture of circa 1810. See Donald Dallas, “Boss & Co., Best Gunmakers”, 2nd Edition, pp. 14-15 with the gun illustrated on p. 15. With browned Damascus barrels with concave rib, bead front sight and recessed patent breeches, the breeches each with gold lined touch hole and a gold inlaid line, the rib section between engraved with stylized foliage. Casehardened foliate scroll engraved standing breech and flat beveled locks, the locks each engraved with small game birds and with pierced cock, stepped tail, raised waterproof priming pan, roller frizzen and signed “F. BOSS”. Engraved furniture including trigger plate with pineapple finial, and blued trigger guard and heel plate. The bow of the trigger guard and tang of the heel plate each with small vignette respectively involving a dog flushing a pheasant and a two partridge. Well-figured walnut half-length stock with checkered grip and forearm, the wrist inset with a small vacant silver initial escutcheon. Brass mounted wooden ramrod.

ConditionVery good. The refinished barrels have been struck off prior to rebrowning resulting in the proof marks on the underside of the breech ends being very worn, potentially such striking off could have removed a barrel or rib signature. The breeches, standing breech and locks each have traces of original casehardened finish. The engraving is clear throughout. Both cocks are replacements with crisp engraving and strong casehardened finish. The stock has attractive patina, scattered age related storage and handling marks and bruises, crisp checkering and a small insert repair to the left edge of the forearm within the checkering. The trigger guard and heel plate have 75% of the older reblued finish and clear engraving. Later ramrod. Mechanically excellent.
Details
ManufacturerUnknown
ModelFlintlock Shotgun
TypeShotgun
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge22
Barrel28 1/2 inch solid rib
Finishbrown/casehardened/blue
Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views1855
Catalog page221