*UNIQUE, POSSIBLY THE FIRST, F. BEESLEY “SHOT-OVER” GAME GUN.

*UNIQUE, POSSIBLY THE FIRST, F. BEESLEY “SHOT-OVER” GAME GUN. SN 2298. (1912) Cal. 16 Ga. 2-1/2″ Chambers. This unusual gun, possibly famed London gunmaker and acknowledged inventor to the trade, Frederick Beesley’s, very first over-under. It has many differences from what was later to be known as the Beesley “shot-over”. The most noticeable difference is that the locks are conventional back action whereas the ultimate form of the “shot-over” had the lock for the under bbl inverted to give a straighter striker blow. The second thing one notices is that it does not have the large knuckle hinge-pin found on most “shot-overs”. Further examination reveals a one piece wrap-around forend vs. the 3-pc forend of the “shot-over”, and the fact that the forend is removable from the gun and bbls, using a Deeley fastener, whereas, in the “shot-over”, the forend stayed attached to the action. Also, this action is not self-opening. The similarities include use of Rigby type rising bite top fastener and the ejector bolsters on either side of the bbl. This gun is extremely well made, as one would expect from a maker known for his attention to detail and uncompromising workmanship. 28-1/2″ Steel bbls have long oval integral nock form on top rear which extends into rising bite third fastener, which is engraved “F. Beesley 2 St. James’s St. London” on top. Bottom bbl is stamped with SN, “550” and, what are probably bbl makers initials, “MD”. London nitro proofs for 16 Ga and 1 oz of shot are stamped on left sides of bbls, are faint, and partially covered by side rib. Unusual O-U double under-bite action with rising bite third fastener is fitted with standard hinge-pin. Action also features ejectors, automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), and double triggers. Top fence is deeply scalloped. Action and lockplates have about 80% coverage of nicely cut medium scroll with rose bouquet highlights. “F Beesley” is in scrolled ribands on each lockplate. Scroll engraved trigger guard has SN on tang. Dark, lightly streaked and figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/8″ over checkered wood butt. There is a vacant silver oval on toe line. 28 LPI point pattern checkering has mullered borders. Deep, one piece forend has unusual ejector mechanism which looks like a prototype to his 1913 registered patent, and requires further study. Wood and metal match butstock, which fastens to bbl with Deeley release. There is no patent information anywhere on the gun, as found on later Beesley “shot-overs”. Bore diameter: top -.669, bottom -.667. Bore restrictions: top -.007, bottom -.006. Wall thickness: top -.017, bottom -.019. Drop at heel: 2-1/4″, drop at comb: 1-11/16″. Weight: 6 lbs. 9.6 oz, LOP 14-3/8″. CONDITION: Very good, as partially refurbished. Bbls retain nearly all of an old London quality re-black. Engraving is still relatively sharp. Action and lockplates retain traces of orig color hardening, mostly in protected areas of fence. Top lever, trigger guard, and safety are re-blued, and retain nearly all of that blue. Wood retains nearly all of a rubbed oil refinish. Wood is below metal. Checkering has been re-cut. There are two cracks in front of bottom of iron in forend, that move when flexed; one running to rear tip of forend fastener. Bores are excellent, bright and shiny. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Top ejector does not trip. A relatively light, great handling, piece of gunmaking history. 4-41793 MGM52 (5,000-8,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2011

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1168	$4,600.00	UNIQUE, POSSIBLY THE FIRST, F. BEESLEY “SHOT-OVER” GAME GUN. SN 2298. (1912) Cal. 16 Ga. 2-1/2″ Chambers. This unusual gun, possibly famed London gunmaker and acknowledged inventor to the trade, Frederick Beesley’s, very first over-under. It has many differences from what was later to be known as the Beesley “shot-over”. The most noticeable difference is that the locks are conventional back action whereas the ultimate form of the “shot-over” had the lock for the under bbl inverted to give a straighter striker blow. The second thing one notices is that it does not have the large knuckle hinge-pin found on most “shot-overs”. Further examination reveals a one piece wrap-around forend vs. the 3-pc forend of the “shot-over”, and the fact that the forend is removable from the gun and bbls, using a Deeley fastener, whereas, in the “shot-over”, the forend stayed attached to the action. Also, this action is not self-opening. The similarities include use of Rigby type rising bite top fastener and the ejector bolsters on either side of the bbl. This gun is extremely well made, as one would expect from a maker known for his attention to detail and uncompromising workmanship. 28-1/2″ Steel bbls have long oval integral nock form on top rear which extends into rising bite third fastener, which is engraved “F. Beesley 2 St. James’s St. London” on top. Bottom bbl is stamped with SN, “550” and, what are probably bbl makers initials, “MD”. London nitro proofs for 16 Ga and 1 oz of shot are stamped on left sides of bbls, are faint, and partially covered by side rib. Unusual O-U double under-bite action with rising bite third fastener is fitted with standard hinge-pin. Action also features ejectors, automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), and double triggers. Top fence is deeply scalloped. Action and lockplates have about 80% coverage of nicely cut medium scroll with rose bouquet highlights. “F Beesley” is in scrolled ribands on each lockplate. Scroll engraved trigger guard has SN on tang. Dark, lightly streaked and figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/8″ over checkered wood butt. There is a vacant silver oval on toe line. 28 LPI point pattern checkering has mullered borders. Deep, one piece forend has unusual ejector mechanism which looks like a prototype to his 1913 registered patent, and requires further study. Wood and metal match butstock, which fastens to bbl with Deeley release. There is no patent information anywhere on the gun, as found on later Beesley “shot-overs”. Bore diameter: top -.669, bottom -.667. Bore restrictions: top -.007, bottom -.006. Wall thickness: top -.017, bottom -.019. Drop at heel: 2-1/4″, drop at comb: 1-11/16″. Weight: 6 lbs. 9.6 oz, LOP 14-3/8″. CONDITION: Very good, as partially refurbished. Bbls retain nearly all of an old London quality re-black. Engraving is still relatively sharp. Action and lockplates retain traces of orig color hardening, mostly in protected areas of fence. Top lever, trigger guard, and safety are re-blued, and retain nearly all of that blue. Wood retains nearly all of a rubbed oil refinish. Wood is below metal. Checkering has been re-cut. There are two cracks in front of bottom of iron in forend, that move when flexed; one running to rear tip of forend fastener. Bores are excellent, bright and shiny. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Top ejector does not trip. A relatively light, great handling, piece of gunmaking history. 4-41793 MGM52 (5,000-8,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2011 Please Note:* All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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