Fernando my friend, You are a very useful chap!
Thank you for this reply.
On these stampings, the L for Luis is followed by a miniscule Dot, so apparently Not the real deal. This has been driving me a little nuts, so I am very pleased you have shared this with me. :-)
The barrels are still early but may well have been assembled into a gun by Laborde. They are apparently brazed together, with a top rib, and are beautiful work. (Even if not Santos!)
Your quote from "The Field" would validate the time-span as well.
If Laborde work, I think it is fairly early work of this maker, as the manner of attaching the barrels to the breech is not a standard procedure. Please see pictures.
This is not the usual hooked breech we normally see, the barrels and false breech must be lifted from the stock as a unit.
My pictures of the stock are too large, so will reduce them and post later.
The stock is newer, and has an "English" look about it. V high quality walnut. It seems the original Laborde furniture was fitted to this stock.
I value your thoughts on this !
Richard.
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