1876

Extraordinary Custom Roy Vail Signed Engraved Gold Inlaid Liege Proofed 410 Superposed Shotgun

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,250.00 USD Estimated At:8,500.00 - 13,000.00 USD
Extraordinary Custom Roy Vail Signed Engraved Gold Inlaid Liege Proofed 410 Superposed Shotgun
Manufactured in Belgium, this shotgun was subsequently embellished by Roy Vail. Roy Vail was a custom shotgun and rifle maker from Warwick, N.Y., circa 1950s to the 1970s. He was a top quality gun maker who made about 150 shotguns and 200 rifles. He often used Francotte actions (such is the case with this shotgun) on the shotguns and then he would add the wood, engraving inlays and checkering. The superposed barrels feature a solid matte rib with a small blade and ivory bead sight and a gold inlaid "ROY VAIL, WARWICK N.Y." in a panel on the rib near the breech. The underside of the barrel has various Belgium proof marks and a tiny signature "Roy Vail". The upper right side edge of the receiver is signed in the same manner as well as having various Belgium proof marks and the serial number is marked on the left upper edge and on the bottom of the barrel under the forearm. The barrels are blue and the remaining parts are casehardened. The side lock action is nicely engraved with full coverage oak leaf designs and gold inlaid hunting dog and three pheasants on the left side and a hunting dog and three ducks on the right side. The same engraving pattern extends to the trigger guard, lower tang, break lever and forearm hardware. The chambers are 3", choked extra full/full with ejectors. Single select trigger marked "MILLER" on both sides, tang mounted automatic safety and mounted with a finely checkered walnut two piece forearm and straight grip stock with a gold initial shield on the underside and checkered bare butt. Length of pull is 13 3/4".
BBL: 23 inch solid rib
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 410
Finish: blue/coin/gold inlaid
Grips:
Serial Number: 70069


Excellent. The barrels retain 99% original blue finish. The action is excellent with exceptional inlays and nearly all of the coin finish intact. The wood is also excellent with a few minor pressure dents, scratches and handling marks. The checkering remains sharp. The engraving is crisp. Mechanically excellent.