2104

TOP OF THE LINE LEBEAU-COURALLY "IMPERIAL PIGEON"

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
TOP OF THE LINE LEBEAU-COURALLY  IMPERIAL PIGEON

SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME GUN. Cal. 12 Ga., 2 3/4". S# 42403 (CA 1930). The revered firm of Lebeau-Courally is know for their fine craftsmanship which extends to all grades of their guns. The Imperial Pigeon model #108 was the highest priced SXS in their line and retailed for 100 pounds in 1910. This example has 28 3/8" chopper lump barrels of Whalreyne steel, fitted with tapered narrow matted game rib. The tops of barrels are engraved "Aug. Lebeau-Courally" "a'Liege". Barrel flats are stamped with 1930 Belgian nitro proof for 2 3/4" chambers. Bottoms of barrels are stamped with steel type, choke info and "LC" logos. French gray sidelock action is stocked to the fences and features non automatic safety, bushed strikers, gas vents, Purdey type hidden third fastener and double triggers. (front articulated). Action is engraved in typical Imperial style with full coverage scroll as background to scrolling acanthus with small flower and larger rose blossom highlights. Maker's name is on looped ribbon on each lockplate and bottom of action. The signature of this grade is the extremely well chiseled and finished relief olive leaves and olives found on fences and on bottom of action. Engraver's signature the noted "M. Hannay" is on trigger plate. Blued top lever and trigger guard are engraved to match. S# is on trigger guard tang. Well made replacement straight grip buttstock of dark streaky marbled European walnut measures 15" over Silver type pad on 1/4" hard rubber spacer. Borderless point pattern checkering is at grip behind small drop points and a vacant silver oval is on toeline. Splinter forend with original wood has borderless point pattern checkering as well. It is fitted with Lebeau-Courally patent ejectors and has Anson release. Checkered central diamond has flush gold inlay of Imperial crown device engraved "THE STANDARD" "PIGEON-GUN". Central shield pictures strutting pigeon under "IMPERIAL" and over "TRADE MARK". MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Bore Diameter: L .725". R .726". Restriction: L .010" (IC). R.007" (IC). Wall thickness: L .029". R .029". STOCK: DAH: 2 7/16". DAC: 1 3/8". CAST: about 5/8" off. LOP: 15". WEIGHT: 7 lb. 8 oz. CONDITION: very good as refurbished. Barrels retaining about 95% good quality reblue over some light pitting and few marks. Action shows light overall cleaning with some traces of original French gray; engraving remains good and clear. Older buttstock retains most of its original oil finish with a scattering of marks, checkering recut. Quality of stock work is very good, however wood is proud of metal and drop points are not correctly formed. Inletting is quite good. Original forend wood is refinished, checkering recut with some minor skewing of lines. Bores are shiny without any noted problems with some minor frosting. Action is tight, barrels are on face and ejectors are strong and in time. (22-5809/MGM). CURIO. $8,000-12,000.