This rifle finally arrived at my FFL today, and it is indeed one of Paul Shuttleworth's early examples.
His name is on the top flat, and removing the fore-end, I was presented with the additional information.
Barrel - Douglas
Twist - 1 in 16
groove - .3207
date - 1.1.88
So, essentially made during his second year of official production.
Curious though that there is no serial number on the rifle itself. Just the number 1055 penciled inside the fore-end inletting.
Also curious, though probably a buyer's request, is the fact that it's D&T for modern scope mounting as the Weaver!
bases are 4 1/2 inches apart on centers. Of course, this could have been done by someone else later too. Oh well, you can't have everything.
The wood is very nice and the all the metal still has a beautiful deep blue after 30 years.
I'm looking forward to seeing how it shoots. Too bad that winter has come early and shows little signs of changing anytime soon.