Another Interesting Rook Rifle - Marietta Dumoulin Freres - 44 Shotgun w/ Travel Case

.... suggested to bring this over from a different Forum ....

Hello All,

This is another from my collection - a very interesting Rook Rifle. (actually a 44 cal shotgun) It was purchased at a local Wisconsin gun show about 12 years ago. Finding such an item locally is unusual. I wish I could find History how it came here. It still has its original 1916 Redhead Leather Travel Case. The travel case is dated June 20, 1916. Amazingly, the case still has its original key for the locking strap. (a feature that would not likely stop a thief)

This dainty little gun weighs only a tad over 3-1/2 pounds. It has a very Unique Folding Martini action, making it simple to clean. This may account for why it still has a mirror bright bore from end-to-end.

Here are the specs:

3 lbs 9-1/2 oz - Octagon to Round 22-1/8" Barrel - 13-5/8" LOP

Pictures don't do justice to show the gun still retains about 75% silvered case color on the receiver, and 90% original blue on the barrel. The previous owner; W.K.SMITH, carved his name into the left side of the stock just behind the receiver. It also has an "optimistic" Hard Rubber Butt Plate showing a pair of Flying Ducks. I don't think this would make a good waterfowl gun.

As always, comments are welcome.