Heinrich Scherping Incredible 12 gauge Nitro Hammergun... A Work of Art

Here is an extraordinary 12 gauge push-forward under-lever hammergun by Heinrich Scherping of Hannover, Germany, built circa mid-1880s. The barrels have Birmingham nitro proofs. They are 29.8" (76cm) with 2 ½" chambers and shiny bores, with evidence of shallow pits having been polished out. The barrels were proofed at .732 and measure the same. The chokes are .023/.028 (about modified/improved modified.) The gun locks up tight. The fore-end is permanently attached, somewhat in the manner of a LeFaucheux action, with a release lever at the tip. The stepped action and lock-plates feature excellent scroll engraving. The carved hammers have a unique form (please see photos.) The locks are rebounding. The trigger-guard extension is horn. The highly figured stock has beautiful, crisp checkering, and measures 1 ¾" x 2 ¼" x 14" over a checkered steel butt-plate. The cast is neutral. The weight is 7 lbs 4 oz. I don't know if there is anyone alive who could replicate this unique gun. A real find for the collector of fine German and Austrian guns, or (with a few boxes of RST loads), for the traditional bird hunter.