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C.Gove & Co., Denver, SxS Combo Rifle/Shotgun

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
C.Gove & Co., Denver, SxS Combo Rifle/Shotgun
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Western Frontier Era Side-by-Side Combination Rifle/Shotgun, by C. Gove & Co., Denver, Colorado, #10064, 12 ga. 2-1/2'' x .44-77 Sharps cal. (not verified), 29-1/2'' browned Damascus pattern barrels with Rocky Mountain front sight and Sharps variation sporting rifle rear sight; ''Plain Grade'' case-colored Webley & Scott back-action underlever mechanism with rebounding hammers, shared extractor and double triggers having a set trigger for the rifle barrel; frame has W&S trademarks and barrels have Birmingham proofs with a 60 gauge designation for the rifle barrel; lower rib has an inset eyelet for sling hook. Buttstock and small splinter forend are medium figure dense walnut, finished in a semi-gloss varnish, with tang and heel threaded bases for mounting accessory long-range or target sights; leather strap is buckled around the wrist for a sling tie. Length of pull is 13-1/2'' over metal buttplate; weight is 10-1/2 lbs. C. (Carlos) Gove opened his Denver gunshop in 1862, following the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859, where he supplied new and used guns, hunting accessories and gunsmithing services. His company name was typically applied to new guns modified in-house prior to sale. At its peak, C. Gove & Co. was one of the largest firearms merchants in the West, representing the major American and European manufacturers. The firm was divided and sold in 1884. Condition is good with strong mainsprings and bright bores; barrels are slightly loose when assembled. Set trigger mechanism needs repair. Frame retains approx. 20% case colors with 30% barrel brown, along with overall scattered oxidation and pitting, notably on the barrel flats. Shotgun barrel has a 1/4'' dent penetrating the wall 4'' from the muzzle; both muzzles are lightly chipped. Revarnished stock has scratches and dents. Action is tight, bores are good. Records from Webley & Scott list their original production date for this serial number as 1878 and indicate that, over a period of almost 150 years, they mfg'd only a few combination guns. Est.: $2,500-$3,500. (Antique)