See this week’s 5 doubles you don’t want to miss…

Extraordinary early Parker A1 Special 12ga 2 barrel set- 30” and 34” - PGCA letter ordered by W.F. Parker! Deepest relief engraving I’ve ever seen
Extraordinary early Parker A1 Special 12ga 2 barrel set- 30” and 34” – PGCA letter ordered by W.F. Parker! Deepest relief engraving I’ve ever seen

Extraordinary early Parker A1 Special 12ga 2 barrel set- 30” and 34” – PGCA letter ordered by W.F. Parker! Deepest relief engraving I’ve ever seen!: Per the PGCA Research Letter – This gun Ordered by and likely used by Wilbur F. Parker!  Truly Exceptional Parker A1 Special 12ga two barrel set, made in 1907 on a #2 Frame.  This very rare gun is equipped with two sets of Whitworth Fluid Steel barrels- one set is 30″ long (original set), the other is 34″ (also definitely factory) long- an extreme rarity in these guns and also extremely desirable today.  This gun would make the ultimate vintage Pigeon Gun.  This gun currently sports a fantastic straight stock with gold plated double triggers, beavertail forend, and was made with auto ejectors, auto safety, and has older Silver’s type pad.  The top lever is beautifully sculpted as are the breech balls as seen in the photos.  These early A-1 Specials are some of the best engraved of all the Parker shotguns and this one is no exception.  The quality of the relief flowers are spectacular and by far the best executed I have seen.  The depth of the relief engraving and the quality is the finest on any Parker I have examined.  The fully engraved safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” in front.  See the photos for details on the engraving – it is breathtaking.  The PGCA letter for this gun is fascininating and worthy of review- see the photos for this as well. This gun remains in pleasing overall condition.  The gun has been updated, likely by Remington with both sets of barrels now having ventilated ribs, which are good and sound.  Mechanics are crisp throughout.  The gun has been completely restored with later Remington case color- likely done when the gun went back in for service in 43,45, or 46, though undoubtedly a Remington Parker work and quality.  The mechanics are crisp and the bores are brilliant and shiny. This extremely rare and desirable Parker is both pleasing to look at in the gun room and in the field.  Price: $60,000

ARRIZABALAGA SLE 20 GAUGE
ARRIZABALAGA SLE 20 GAUGE

ARRIZABALAGA SLE 20 GAUGE: Gun is in very good condition with some light handling marks. Oval is initialed. Caliber Info: 20 Gauge Ejectors: Yes Metal Condition: Very Good Barrels: 28″ Action: Sidelock Triggers: Double Gauge: 20 Gauge Stock Comb: 1 1/2″ Stock Heel: 2 3/8″ Stock Cast: Off Fore End: Checkered LOP: 15 1/4″ Rib: Concave Weight: 6.5 lbs Chokes: IC/IM Case: Leather Luggage. Price: $12,775

“SCARCE” James Purdey of London Double Rifle chambered in .450 BPE that was manufactured in 1868 for the 15th Duke of Norfolk
“SCARCE” James Purdey of London Double Rifle chambered in .450 BPE that was manufactured in 1868 for the 15th Duke of Norfolk

“SCARCE” James Purdey of London Double Rifle chambered in .450 BPE that was manufactured in 1868 for the 15th Duke of Norfolk:  The amount of man hours was very high when one of these rifles was made. From the factory letter we know that this rifle was completed in 1868. It was built for the Duke of Norfolk and stocked by John Robertson. The caliber is listed as a 60 bore which is the equivalent to the .450 BPE cartridge. This J. Purdey .450 “BPE” Black Powder Express Rotary Underlever Big Game Hammer Double Rifle is all matching with no alterations. The bores are in excellent condition being bright with excellent lands and grooves in the 30” barrels. It has a 3-leaf rear sight with one fixed and two folding blades. Each blade has a Platinum center line and are marked “100, 200 and 250.” The finish shows no signs of rust or pitting with strong pattern colors. The forearm is in very fine condition with no cracks and one chip as shown. The butt stock is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks or repairs. This after 153 years is quite amazing. The receiver shows very fine and detailed engraving as you can see in the pictures. The rifle is tight and obviously has seen very little use over the decades. The rifle functions as it should with no issues. The original oak case has some accessories and the original cleaning rod. The center lock mechanism is missing but both side levers are present. No FFL transfer is needed to transfer this antique. The factory letter will be included. Price: $10K

MERKEL 200E 20ga 26" IC&M, DT, Mfg 1955 Excellent
MERKEL 200E 20ga 26″ IC&M, DT, Mfg 1955 Excellent

MERKEL 200E 20ga 26″ IC&M, DT, Mfg 1955 Excellent: Serial  #  41176 Country of Origin  Germany Barrel Length (in Inches) 26″ Choke U  IC (.005″), Choke O  M (.015″) Trigger  DT (Double) Stock Configuration  Capped Pistol Grip, Recoil pad Forearm Type  3-piece Forearm Rib Type Solid rib Receiver Finish  Casehardened Engraving Type  Ornamental Scroll Engraving Other Options  2 3/4″ chambers, Cocking indicators, Horn grip cap Condition  EXC. Condition Weight  6#0oz Dimensions  1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″  x 14″ with 3/8″ cast off. Other Details Mfg 1955. Price: $5,500

Beretta ~ Model S686 Special ~ OU ~ 20 GA
Beretta ~ Model S686 Special ~ OU ~ 20 GA

Beretta ~ Model S686 Special ~ OU ~ 20 GA: Description: This Beretta S686 is in overall very good condition. Metal Condition: Very Good Wood Condition: Very Good Bore Condition: Excellent Barrels: 26″ Triggers: Single Selective Safety Stock Dimensions: 14″ LOP Fore End: Checkered Walnut Semi Pistol Grip – Checkered Walnut Forend Butt Pad: Black Rubber Butt Pad Weight: 6 lbs Sights: Front Bead – Mid-Bead Chokes: With Screw in Choke Tubes Wood shows some light handling marks and dings. Complete with case! 20 Gauge. Price: $2,099.99

See this week’s 5 doubles you don’t want to miss…

W. J. Jeffrey ~ Side-by-Side ~ Double Rifle ~ .475 NE
W. J. Jeffrey ~ Side-by-Side ~ Double Rifle ~ .475 NE

W. J. Jeffrey ~ Side-by-Side ~ Double Rifle ~ .475 NE: Metal Condition: Excellent with light mark, Wood Condition: Very good with handling marks, Bore Condition: Clean with no pitting or wear, Barrels: 24″, Stock: Checkered walnut, Stock Dimensions: 14.5″ LOP, Fore End: Checkered walnut, Butt Pad: Leather recoil pad, Weight: 11lbs 8ozs, Sights: Notch and blade sight with adjustable rear leafs. Price: $21,499.97

Parker VH 28ga 28” SxS for sale
Parker VH 28ga 28” SxS for sale

Parker VH 28ga 28” SxS for sale: All original gun that has never been fooled with. These are very hard to find and super rare in original condition. Bright, shiny, 28″ bores choked f/f.Serial Number: 165290, Barrel Length: 28”, Barrels: 28”, Gauge: 28ga, Stock Dimensions: 14”, Stock Comb: 1 1/2”, Stock Heel: 2 1/2″ Price: $14,500 

JOSEPH LANG & SONS BACK ACTION SIDELOCK REBOUNDING HAMMER DBL RIFLE , 450 BPE 3 1/4 WITH JONES UNDERLEVER
JOSEPH LANG & SONS BACK ACTION SIDELOCK REBOUNDING HAMMER DBL RIFLE , 450 BPE 3 1/4 WITH JONES UNDERLEVER

JOSEPH LANG & SONS BACK ACTION SIDELOCK REBOUNDING HAMMER DBL RIFLE , 450 BPE 3 1/4 WITH JONES UNDERLEVER: 450 BPE 3 1/4, SCROLL & VIVID CASE COLORED ACTION, 26″ BBL, STANDARD RIB, EXTRACTORS, DBL TRIGGERS, BEAUTIFUL HIGHLY FIGURED WALNUT, PISTOL GRIP, ENGRAVED GRIP CAP, SPLINTER FOREND, LOP 14 1/2, 9LBS 6OZ, 1 FX 1 FOLDING, BLADE FRONT, VERY FINE ORIGINAL CONDITION, WITH MIRROR BORES. Price: $11,495

Very near mint and all original Parker VH 12ga 28"- Reference Gun
Very near mint and all original Parker VH 12ga 28″- Reference Gun

Very near mint and all original Parker VH 12ga 28″- Reference Gun: Advanced collectors always have what they call “reference guns”. A gun that they know to be all original to compare other guns to. This particular gun, a 225k SN range VH 12ga with original 28″ Vulcan Steel barrels is absolutely a reference gun. Made with capped pistol grip, splinter forend, double triggers and extractors. The gun remains in exceptional near mint original condition with more than 98% original barrel blue, virtually all of its bold original case color, and nearly all of its original stock finish. Here are the technical details on the gun: made on a 1-1/2 frame with drops of 1-1/2″ at comb and 2-3/4″ at heel and LOP of 14-1/2″ over the original DHBP. The gun weighs 6lbs 15oz and the barrels measure .730 (R) with .018(mod) and .732 (L) with .028 (imp. mod) and both barrels have .028MWT.  This gun is guaranteed authentic and completely original in every respect and comes to me from one of the great Parker collections in the country. PGCA Letter included identifying the gun exactly as found today. It is very near mint and truly fantastic. I wish every Parker I owned was this fine and easy to describe. Simply put, no excuses on this gun. Price: $5995

William Powell and Son Sidelock in very nice condition in its makers case ~ This is a super deal on an extremely nice English sidelock
William Powell and Son Sidelock in very nice condition in its maker’s case ~ This is a super deal on an extremely nice English sidelock

William Powell and Son Sidelock in very nice condition in its makers case ~ This is a super deal on an extremely nice English sidelock: Serial Number: 12001. Ejectors: Yes. Barrels: 29″. Barrel Type: Steel. Action: Sidelock ejector. Gauge: 12 gauge. Stock Comb: 1 1/2″. Stock Heel: 2″. Stock Cast: 3/16″. LOP: 14 5/8″. Weight: 6 lbs. 9.5oz. Choke Left: .020″ full. Choke Right: .010″ IC. Proof: Nitro: 2 1/2″. Minimum Wall Thickness Left: .025″. Minimum Wall Thickness Right: .023″ Price: $5,800

Wow! Incredible condition on this Army & Navy 450BPE double rifle…

Army & Navy - Webley & Scott - Deluxe 450 BPE - High Condition - All Original 1896 Rifle !
Army & Navy – Webley & Scott – Deluxe 450 BPE – High Condition – All Original 1896 Rifle !

You don’t often you see a 100+-year-old double rifle in this kind of condition. Not only is it all original, but it also retains a ton of that original finish.

Army & Navy - Webley & Scott - Deluxe 450 BPE - High Condition - All Original 1896 Rifle !
Army & Navy – Webley & Scott – Deluxe 450 BPE – High Condition – All Original 1896 Rifle !

This gun was made by Webley & Scott for Army & Navy, a co-op that started in the 19th-century for military members. Army & Navy offered all kinds of firearms for its members, and Webley & Scott was one of the co-op’s biggest suppliers.

Army & Navy - Webley & Scott - Deluxe 450 BPE - High Condition - All Original 1896 Rifle !
Army & Navy – Webley & Scott – Deluxe 450 BPE – High Condition – All Original 1896 Rifle !

This rifle is chambered for .450 Black Powder Express (.450 3​14-inch BPE), one of the most popular rounds of the late 19th century. Many different types of rifles were chambered for .450 BPE and these guns were used for everything from deer stalking in Scotland to elephant hunting in Africa. The round was replaced by the more potent .450 Nitro Express in 1898 (BTW: go here to see how the .450NE compares to a .470NE).

Army & Navy - Webley & Scott - Deluxe 450 BPE - High Condition - All Original 1896 Rifle !
Army & Navy – Webley & Scott – Deluxe 450 BPE – High Condition – All Original 1896 Rifle !

Along with the gun’s original finish and overall finish, a few things about it caught my eye, from the engraving and the ribbon fences to the wide top strap, the long top lever, and the toe-and-heel plates. While this wasn’t a best-quality gun in its day, it was a very nice one.

Army & Navy – Webley & Scott – Deluxe 450 BPE – High Condition – All Original 1896 Rifle: 26″ Steel Barrels with a Dolls Head Rib Extension Third Bite, Full-Length Rib with 1 Standing & 1 Folding Platinum Lined Rear Sights, Bushed Strikers, Lever Release Forend, Steel Engraved Grip Cap, Shadowline Cheek Piece, Sling Eyes, Double Triggers, 14 1/2″ LOP to an Engraved Steel Butt Plate, Weight 8 lbs. 7 oz. All Original Rifle – Built on the Great Webley action. Sold in 1896 for 40 Pounds Sterling! Bores look day one new. Tight and Sound in Every Regard. Lots of handling marks from being around for 123 years. Price: $9995

Army & Navy - Webley & Scott - Deluxe 450 BPE - High Condition - All Original 1896 Rifle !
Army & Navy – Webley & Scott – Deluxe 450 BPE – High Condition – All Original 1896 Rifle !
Army & Navy - Webley & Scott - Deluxe 450 BPE - High Condition - All Original 1896 Rifle !
Army & Navy – Webley & Scott – Deluxe 450 BPE – High Condition – All Original 1896 Rifle !
Army & Navy - Webley & Scott - Deluxe 450 BPE - High Condition - All Original 1896 Rifle !
Army & Navy – Webley & Scott – Deluxe 450 BPE – High Condition – All Original 1896 Rifle !
Army & Navy - Webley & Scott - Deluxe 450 BPE - High Condition - All Original 1896 Rifle !
Army & Navy – Webley & Scott – Deluxe 450 BPE – High Condition – All Original 1896 Rifle !

This week’s good guns: Powered by Gunsinternational.com…

A&S Famars 28ga Jorema SLE Shotgun, 27 1/2 inch Single Trigger O/U
A&S Famars 28ga Jorema SLE Shotgun, 27 1/2 inch Single Trigger O/U

A&S Famars 28ga Jorema SLE 27 1/2 inch Single Trigger O/U:  Straight english stock with a rear single trigger  It has a 15in LOP with a pad  It does have the original leather covered pad  that will take it to 15 1/2 LOP  Beautiful wood   great engraving  Priced great. Price: $19,750

PIOTTI BSEE – 16 GAUGE – SxS – BOXLOCK – SPECIAL KING I ENGRAVING PATTERN – 29″Piotti 16 gauge BSEE with 29″ barrels. Granetti Engraved in a Special King I Pattern. Highly figured wood. Mint condition. Scalloped action. Hand filed slighly concave rib. Ejectors. Non-auto safety. Leather covered recoil pad. Bores at .670 with chokes at 7/1000 (IC) and 20/1000 (Imp Mod). “BS” proof date. Weight of gun is 6 LBS 11 1/2 OZ.  LOP – 14 7/8″ Drop at Comb – 1 3/8″ Drop at Heel – 2 1/8″.  Price: $14,500

PIOTTI BSEE - 16 GAUGE - SxS - BOXLOCK - SPECIAL KING I ENGRAVING PATTERN - 29
PIOTTI BSEE – 16 GAUGE – SxS – BOXLOCK – SPECIAL KING I ENGRAVING PATTERN – 29
JOHANN SPRINGER- 450 3 1/4" BPE in INCREDIBLE 94% COND.- 1894 for the MAHARAJA of DHOLPUR- BORES ABSOLUTELY as NEW- 95% ORIG. CASE COLORS
JOHANN SPRINGER- 450 3 1/4″ BPE in INCREDIBLE 94% COND.- 1894 for the MAHARAJA of DHOLPUR- BORES ABSOLUTELY as NEW- 95% ORIG. CASE COLORS

JOHANN SPRINGER- 450 3 1/4″ BPE SIDE-BY-SIDE BOXLOCK DOUBLE RIFLE  in INCREDIBLE 94% COND.- 1894 for the MAHARAJA of DHOLPUR- BORES ABSOLUTELY as NEW- 95% ORIG. CASE COLORS#8449, Joh. Springer, Erben In Wien: A superb 450 3 1/4″ BPE Hammerless Toplever Boxlock Extractor Made for the HH Rana Nihal Singh the Maharaja of Dholpur in 1892 and delivered in 1894, 25 3/8″ dovetail extractor damascus barrels with bores like the day it was delivered in 1894, Rib extension crossbolt, 1 standing & 1 folding rear sights, Intercepting safety sears, Double triggers with the front articulated, Steel trigger guard tang to the grip cap, No sling eyes, Very nice piece of wood, Steel engraved grip cap, Anson forend release, 14 1/2″ lop over the original 1″ Silvers pad, 8 lbs. 8 oz., 85% coverage of very nice period scroll, 95% original & vivid case colors remain, 90% original browning on the barrels, The original wood finish remains at 95%, The original checkering at 98%, The bores are literally brand new, The inside of the forend has 100% case colors, The wood is as stout as it was 123 years ago. This friend is one incredible double rifle that remains in unbelievable and incredible condition in a cartridge you can find all kinds of ammo and it is fun to shoot. It has a Gold escutcheon on the stock line with a crown and the very distinct initials ‘NS’ (Nihal Singh). Price: $12,500

JOHANN SPRINGER- 360 2 1/4" BPE in INCREDIBLE 90% COND.- 1894 for the MAHARAJA of DHOLPUR- BORES ABSOLUTELY as NEW- 95% ORIG. CASE COLORS
JOHANN SPRINGER- 360 2 1/4″ BPE in INCREDIBLE 90% COND.- 1894 for the MAHARAJA of DHOLPUR- BORES ABSOLUTELY as NEW- 95% ORIG. CASE COLORS

JOHANN SPRINGER- 360 2 1/4″ BPE SxS BOXLOCK DOUBLE RIFLE in INCREDIBLE 90% COND.- 1894 for the MAHARAJA of DHOLPUR- BORES ABSOLUTELY as NEW- 95% ORIG. CASE COLORS#8451, Joh. Springer, Erben In Wien: A superb 360 2 1/4″ BPE Hammerless Toplever Boxlock Extractor Made for the HH Rana Nihal Singh the Maharaja of Dholpur in 1892 and delivered in 1894, 25″ dovetail extractor damascus barrels with bores like the day it was delivered in 1894, Sideclip action body, Rib extension crossbolt, 1 standing & 1 folding rear sights, Intercepting safety sears, Double triggers, Steel trigger guard tang to the grip cap, No sling eyes, Very nice piece of wood, Steel engraved grip cap, Anson forend release, 14 1/2″ lop over the original 1″ Silvers pad, 6 lbs. 12 oz., 85% coverage of very nice period scroll, 95% original & vivid case colors remain, 90% original browning on the barrels, The original wood finish remains at 92%, The original checkering at 96%, On the right side at the head of the stock a small piece of wood was replaced that is very well done and hardly noticeable, The bores are literally brand new, The inside of the forend has 100% case colors, The wood is as stout as it was 123 years ago. This flat out a neat double rifle at 6 3/4 pounds and it remains in superb condition. We can load the ammo for this piece. Price: $8,900

1973 – BROWNING Superposed – Superlight – 12ga – OU- 27-1/2″ – M/FTapered Vent Rib, English Stock, Schnable Forearm, LOP 14-3/8″, Drop 1-5/8″ to 2-1/2″, Weight 6 lbs. 9 oz. Very hard to find Superlight with long barrels! Price: $2475

1973 - BROWNING Superposed - Superlight - 12ga - OU- 27-1/2" - M/F
1973 – BROWNING Superposed – Superlight – 12ga – OU- 27-1/2″ – M/F

This week’s good guns: Powered by Gunsinternational.com…

BOSS BEST SXS 20 GAUGE SIDELOCK
BOSS BEST SXS 20 GAUGE SIDELOCK

BOSS BEST SXS 20 GAUGE SIDELOCK#793X 26 1/2″ SELF OPENER 006 AND 010 2 3/4 CHAMBERS SINGLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP  CHECKERED BUTT MAKERS CASE EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION 5LBS 4 OZ X 1 3/4″ X 1 1/2″ X 14″. Price: $59,500

WESTLEY RICHARDS SIDELOCK 20- OVERALL 95% ORIG- 26" EJECT Bbls.- DOUBLE TRIG- 98% ENGRAVING- 1965- 5 Lbs. 9 Oz.- ENGLISH STOCK 14 3/4"- CASED
WESTLEY RICHARDS SIDELOCK 20- OVERALL 95% ORIG- 26″ EJECT Bbls.- DOUBLE TRIG- 98% ENGRAVING- 1965- 5 Lbs. 9 Oz.- ENGLISH STOCK 14 3/4″- CASED

WESTLEY RICHARDS SIDELOCK 20- OVERALL 95% ORIG- 26″ EJECT Bbls.- DOUBLE TRIG- 98% ENGRAVING- 1965- 5 Lbs. 9 Oz.- ENGLISH STOCK 14 3/4″- CASED#19134, Westley Richards & Co. Birmingham, England: A Bar Action Hand Detachable Sidelock Ejector 20 Bore Made in 1965, 26″ Ejector Dovetail Lump barrels proved at 3 1/4 tons and original 2 3/4″ chambers, The bores at .618 .013 & .030″ (Mod. & Full), 2 3/4″ chambers, Wall thickness on both barrels at .034″, Double triggers, Splinter forend with an Anson release, Straight hand stock at 14 3/4 x 1 7/16 x 2 3/16″ over a checkered butt, Cast-Off for the right hand, Great game gun weight at 5 lbs. 9 oz., 98% coverage of scroll engraving, Very Nice wood with excellent color and contrast, 98% original case colors, Original barrel black that remains at 95%, Original wood finish that remains at 95% with very light handling marks, The original checkering remains at 99%, The barrels inside and out look like the day they left Westley, The barrel striking is excellent, It is cased in the maker’s leather trunk with all the accessories and the factory trade label. Here is a Sidelock Westley that almost qualifies like new and remains in excellent condition for a piece that has been around 51 years. The new replacement for this exact gun is considerably higher. Nice piece. Price: $26,900

F.LLI PIOTTI Model BSEE BOXLOCK 16GA, 29" NEW
F.LLI PIOTTI Model BSEE BOXLOCK 16GA, 29″ NEW

F.LLI PIOTTI Model BSEE BOXLOCK 16GA, 29″ NEW: Price  $19,000
Choke  IC
Choke 2  M
Trigger  DT (Double)
Stock  Straight Grip
Forearm  Splinter Forearm
Rib  Smooth Concave Rib
Receiver Finish  Casehardened Receiver
Engraving Type  Fine Scroll & Rosette Engraving
Other Options  Upgraded action shape with Sculptured & scalloped receiver, Checkered butt
Condition  NEW
Weight 6#3oz
Dimensions 1 3/8 x 2 3/8 x 14 7/8 with 1/4 cast off

Holland & Holland Double rifle in classic 450 3 1/4"with perfect bores
Holland & Holland Double rifle in classic 450 3 1/4″with perfect bores

Holland & Holland Double rifle in classic 450 3 1/4″with perfect bores:
Serial Number: 11484. I wish we could get more with condition and quality like this one. 26″ bbls, 14 5/8″ LOP, weight 8lbs, 6.5oz. Back action, rebounding locks. This H&H still retains considerable case color and the bores appear as new, bright and fresh. Even the stock finish appears original. It has been our experience these 450 BPE Hollands shoot extremely well both with the nitro for black loads and black powder. Price: $8,600

Ruger Red Label 28 Gauge Over Under Shotgun
Ruger Red Label 28 Gauge Over Under Shotgun

Ruger Red Label 28 Gauge Over Under ShotgunNo marks or dings. Checking is still so sharp that it grabs your fingers when you run them across the checkering. Straight stock with 26 inch barrels and 3 choke tubes. Chambers: 2 3/4 inch. Price: $1,595

Incredible. And incredibly rare: MacNaughton .450 Skeleton-action double rifle…

EARLY AND RARE MACNAUGHTON “SKELETON” ROUND ACTION DOUBLE RIFLE
EARLY AND RARE MACNAUGHTON “SKELETON” ROUND ACTION DOUBLE RIFLE

James D. Julia’s Spring, 2016, Firearms Auction kicks off next Monday, 3/14. As usual, there a bunch of impressive doubles in this sale.

Along with a pile of big-bore rifles made for Indian Royalty (check out this 4 bore) and this great looking 12 gauge Lefever Optimus made for President Benjamin Harrison, the sale also include this exceptionally rare MacNaughton .450 BPE hammerless double rifle.

EARLY AND RARE MACNAUGHTON “SKELETON” ROUND ACTION DOUBLE RIFLE
EARLY AND RARE MACNAUGHTON “SKELETON” ROUND ACTION DOUBLE RIFLE

James MacNaughton was a gunmaker in Edinburgh, Scotland, and he opened a shop in the city’s center in 1864. In 1879, he patented his ‘Edinburgh Patent Hammerless Ejector’ design, on which this double rifle is based.

With the lockwork mounted on the triggerplate and behind the standing breech, the actions on MacNaughton’s guns were very strong. Because of their strength, they could be adapted to the “Skeleton” design you see here and also used in double rifles, which generate far higher pressures and strain than shotguns.

EARLY AND RARE MACNAUGHTON “SKELETON” ROUND ACTION DOUBLE RIFLE
EARLY AND RARE MACNAUGHTON “SKELETON” ROUND ACTION DOUBLE RIFLE

MacNaughton’s hammerless design evolved over time, and I think this rifle is built on one of the earlier, or the earliest, variation. It uses the opening-motion of its extra long toplever to cock the locks. Later ones had regular sized toplevers and cocked on the drop of the barrels (here’s one in 12 gauge).

EARLY AND RARE MACNAUGHTON “SKELETON” ROUND ACTION DOUBLE RIFLESN 1156. (ca 1885 ?) Cal. .450 BPE. 28″ Dovetailed steel bbls are fitted with full length matted rib with one standing, one folding leaf rear sight. Leaves are unmarked and unnotched. Standing leaf has inset “certifiable antique ivory” sighting triangle. Central portion of rib is swamped and rises at muzzle to ramp holding steel bead.

EARLY AND RARE MACNAUGHTON “SKELETON” ROUND ACTION DOUBLE RIFLE
EARLY AND RARE MACNAUGHTON “SKELETON” ROUND ACTION DOUBLE RIFLE

Tops of bbls are engraved “James Mac Naughton” and “26 Hanover Street. Edinburgh.” Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs, and bottoms of bbls with SNs. A sling eye is screwed into bottom rib. Bbls are fitted with early bail type extractor system, often used by Purdeys on early breech loaders. Round bodied, trigger plate action has wood which extends over bar in a style favored by MacNaughton, in which they referred to as their “Skeleton” action. This trigger plate action was the first (1879) of the famous “round” actions of Edinburgh. This basic design was used by John Dickson beginning in 1880 with resultant lawsuit over the concept. The action on this rifle is patent use no. “66”, and incorporates early long top lever which also cocks hammers. Central area is milled away to access action pin and view hammers through glass window as cocking indicators. Action also features MacNaughton’s toggling safety, pivoting third fastener, and dbl triggers. Large trigger plate has tail which extends to grip cap. Trigger guard is attached to trigger plate at front and back. Metal parts are engraved with near full coverage well cut scroll with Celtic knotwork borders. Top of action is engraved “MACNAUGHTON EDINBURGH”. Finely fiddle figured and lightly streaked, dense, European walnut horn capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2″ over checkered horn buttplate, and features slim shadow line right hand cheekpiece, and flat top point pattern checkering with mullered borders. A gold oval on toe line is engraved with wild boar in sling held by cleft in oak tree all over motto “Lock Sicker” (Keep Securely) This is the Douglas family crest – either Kinglassie or Sir Arthur Percy Baronet of Carr. This crest plate is behind sling eye engraved with star. Matching splinter forend has forward pivoting lever release. Drop at heel: approx 2-5/8″, drop at comb: approx 1-7/8″. Weight: 7 lbs. 14 oz. LOP: 14-1/2″.

EARLY AND RARE MACNAUGHTON “SKELETON” ROUND ACTION DOUBLE RIFLE
EARLY AND RARE MACNAUGHTON “SKELETON” ROUND ACTION DOUBLE RIFLE

PROVENANCE: Email stating that Dickson records indicate that a rifle with this SN was sold Aug 1895 to Sir A. M. MacKenzie (3rd Baronet), and “A relatively small amount of MacNaughton round actions were made about 400 in total. Of these, a mere handful were dbl rifles around 4 or 5.” (This rifle is most likely from an earlier period, and different SN series. Published records began with SN 110 in 1894. Info on Sir Arthur Percy Douglas and Banglapedia info on Sir Alexander MacKenzie (Not Alexander Muir MacKenzie).

EARLY AND RARE MACNAUGHTON “SKELETON” ROUND ACTION DOUBLE RIFLE
EARLY AND RARE MACNAUGHTON “SKELETON” ROUND ACTION DOUBLE RIFLE

CONDITION: Excellent, original, as found. Bbls retain 80 – 90% orig blue thinning overall, silvering on sides of rear portion from normal hand wear, with some attendant minor scratches and marks. Action retains 70 – 80% orig light case hardening color. Top lever retain most of its orig fire blue, as does cocking window housing. Stocks retain nearly all of what appears to be their orig hand rubbed oil finish, with some fairly deep scratches on the right side of butt, and some minor marks and scratches scattered overall, checkering lightly worn. Bores are very fine, shiny with sharp rifling throughout. There is some pitting toward breech end of right bbl, and a few other scattered light pits. Action has a hint of looseness with forend removed, feels tight with forend installed. Bbls are slightly off face. A wonderful Scottish deer stalking rifle. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000

Auction alert: Great H&H Royal hammerless double rifle …

RARE EARLY HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL HAMMERLESS SIDELOCK TOP-LEVER DOUBLE RIFLE
RARE EARLY HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL HAMMERLESS SIDELOCK TOP-LEVER DOUBLE RIFLE

The Holland & Holland Royal is one of the most iconic doubles every made. Introduced in 1885, the Royal’s design was based on a 1883 patent filed by Henry Holland and John Robertson. Throughout the 1880s, the Royal’s look & design was tweaked and refined until it evolved into the kind of gun we see here.

This Royal, coming up in James D. Julia’s Fall sale, was finished in 1894. At that time, the shooting world was transitioning from black powders to smokeless powders, and rifle makers were starting to introduced new “nitro express” loads to replace their black-powder express (BPE) cartridges.

The .450 BPE  3 1/4″ was one of the most popular cartridges of the black-powder era, and today it’s still a great round for anything you can hunt in North America. Because the 450BPE generates far less energy than the .450 Nitro Express, guns made for .450 BPE tend to be on the light side for double rifles. They ‘re also tend to be much more comfortable to shoot.

RARE EARLY HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL HAMMERLESS SIDELOCK TOP-LEVER DOUBLE RIFLE
RARE EARLY HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL HAMMERLESS SIDELOCK TOP-LEVER DOUBLE RIFLE

RARE EARLY HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL HAMMERLESS SIDELOCK TOP-LEVER DOUBLE RIFLE WITH CASESN 17818. Cal. 450 BPE. 28″ Dovetailed bbls are fitted with full length file cut rib, central portion swamped, and not file cut, forming long, low ramp for white bead front sight. Rear portion of rib is fitted with one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight. Tops of bbls are engraved “Holland & Holland. 98. New Bond Street, London.” and “Winners of All the “Field” Rifle Trials, London.” Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs for 450 express. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SN. H&H Royal sidelock action with top tang extending over comb, features automatic safety with “SAFE and BOLTED” inlaid in gold. Action also has gold band tumbler end cocking indicators and dbl triggers. Action is engraved in early Holland “Royal” style with near full coverage well cut, varying sized, shaded scroll, surrounding “Holland & Holland” within broad scroll bordered device on front portion of each lockplate. Bottom of action is engraved “Charge 4 Drams” “Case 3-1/4 Inches”. Fences are engraved with exceptionally fine scallop shell central motifs, flanked by scroll and floral highlights. Trigger guard with scroll on bow has SN at grip, which extends to engraved steel cap. Lovely fiddle figured and lightly marbled European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/4″ over ribbed horn buttplate. Stock is finished in classic H&H style with drop points, and point pattern checkering at grip, with mullered borders and inward curving rear line. A gold oval on toe line is engraved “W. H. C. Ll” “FROM R. W. & H. A. Ll.” “Nov 1st, 1904″. Matching splinter forend has Anson release. Drop at heel: approx 2-13/16″, drop at comb: approx 1-3/4″. Weight: 8 lbs 7 oz. LOP: 14-1/4″. What appears to be orig makers leather case with brass corners is embossed “Walter Lloyd” (matching engraving on gold oval on toe line) on top. Case is lined in royal blue cloth, and has large paper H&H label in lid, along with instruction label. The maker’s have kindly confirmed that the rifle was finished in 1894, and that in 1904 was sold 2nd hand to R. W. Llewelyn.

RARE EARLY HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL HAMMERLESS SIDELOCK TOP-LEVER DOUBLE RIFLE
RARE EARLY HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL HAMMERLESS SIDELOCK TOP-LEVER DOUBLE RIFLE

CONDITION: Very fine, original, as found. Bbls retain approx 60% orig blue, thinning overall, with some minor flecking. Action retains 50 – 60% orig case hardening color, strong where protected. Locks retain 60 – 70% orig color, right lock somewhat stronger. Top lever retains 80 – 90% of its orig blue, silvered on thumbpiece. Trigger guard retains perhaps 30% of its blue on bow, grip completely silvered. All engraving remains sharp and clear, no noted pitting. Stocks retain most of their fine orig hand rubbed oil finish, with some light marks and scratches, checkering lightly worn. Bores are excellent with bright sharp rifling throughout. A bit of looseness can be felt in action with forend removed, feels tight with forend in place. Bbls are very slightly off face. Case leather is darkening and has many light marks and scuffs. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is fine, with a bit of insect damage, and some blocks and partitions loose, with the butt block replaced and lined in green cloth. An exceptionally fine, elegant and rare, early top-lever Holland Royal rifle in a caliber suitable for almost any game with proper loads and bullets. Estimate: $27,500-$37,500

RARE EARLY HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL HAMMERLESS SIDELOCK TOP-LEVER DOUBLE RIFLE
RARE EARLY HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL HAMMERLESS SIDELOCK TOP-LEVER DOUBLE RIFLE

I have not idea what this is…

RARE BIRMINGHAM BREAK UNDER HAMMER DOUBLE RIFLE 450 BPE
RARE BIRMINGHAM BREAK UNDER HAMMER DOUBLE RIFLE 450 BPE

I’ve seen lots of doubles, from boxlocks and sidelocks, shotguns and rifles, there aren’t a lot of designs I’ve haven’t come across. But I have to say that this double rifle is new to me.

Other than British & cool, I have no idea what itis. It’s 100% new to me. If you know more about it.