I would consider an L.C.Smith Field Grade, or a Fox Sterlingworth. An honest example of either will leave enough money on the counter for a pile of shells if you have $900 to spend.
I too like the German and Japanese box locks, and will concede that perhaps they offer the biggest bang for the buck. I've owned a couple over the years. The field grade Smiths and Foxes (not to include the faux-Fox Savage/Stevens 311's) possess that little bit more nostalgia factor tied to American hunting traditions, IMO, and for me that's the tie breaker. (Sorry 311 fans- they are hell-for-stout but lack grace, IMO.)
