Franz Osipovitch Matska was originally of Czech origins, and immigrated from Austria to Russia in the mid-nineteenth century where he studied under master gunmaker August Gonno. It is estimated Matska built around 340 fine guns in St. Petersburg from 1883 until his death in 1907, and was well renowned for his work. This particular pigeon gun was discovered by Bill Wise in England, with associated provenance that it was purchased by an English diplomat from a Russian diplomat around 1910 in Paris. Gun is fitted with 30" blued Sir. Joseph Whitworth fluid steel barrels by Kilby, as marked on the underside, and finished by Matska, his Cyrillic signature on top. Barrel flats have post-1925 London proofs and are numbered "22358". Purdey style locking bolt with doll's head rib. With ejectors. Double trigger controlled side lock Birmingham proofed on the water table with a Matska signature. Locks plates signed externally Matska, made by Joseph Brazier. Action is very finely engraved with masterful tight scroll and floral bouquets. A small gold band on the tang inscribed in Cyrillic "POLENO" likely indicating ownership by the notable Russian Polenov family. Finely diamond checkered splinter forend with Anson style release. Checkered round knob pistol grip stock with red rubber butt pad. PROVENANCE: Ex. Bill Wise. Gun is further documented as the feature of a 2005 article in Double Gun Journal Volume 16, Issue 2, by Wise and Charcot. A copy is included with this lot. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Barrels display nearly all of their lustrous original blue with some mild wear. Action colors have largely faded to a soft silver patina. Forend has a few light losses along the very edge. Stock finished to a gloss with a few scattered field marks. Very fine mirror bores with light sign of use. Fine mechanics. Only a handful of Matska's guns are known, and are especially scarce in the United States. A rare opportunity to acquire a masterpiece of pre-revolution Russian craftsmanship. Barrel Length: 30" Barrel Wall Thickness: (L) .031 (R) .029 Chamber: 2 - 3/4" Choke: (L) .000 (B) .000 Drop at Comb: 1 - 5/8" Drop at Heel: 2 - 1/4" FFL Status: Antique Gauge: 12 Gauge Length of Pull: 14" Manufacturer: Franz Osipovitch Matzka Model: Side by Side Paperwork: Double Gun Journal Serial Number: 274 Weight: 6 LB 11 OZ