[gbxfb]

Hi Michael,

I hope these photographs provide the detail that you need. The bore
diameter is 16.5mm.

I was rather surprised that you consider my proposed restoration would not
be successful. I suggest that provided the work is carried out to the correct
pattern and style, from the right materials and to a high standard, I cannot
imagine why the overall effect should not be an accurate rendition of the
original piece. This form of reconstruction is carried out routinely in museum
collections worldwide, and I have seen examples at the Royal Armouries in
Leeds. The protocol being not to age the renewed parts so that they may be readily discerned. In this instance the missing tang and priming pan could be
'hung' in the stock which would spare the barrel any further injury, and
would be in line with modern sympathetic conservation practice.

I realize that much of this piece would now be new, however the barrel is
always the core of any long gun, and in this instance a substantial one as it
weighs in at 10lbs.

Best regards,
Simon.