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

Truly exceptional & finest quality fully optioned all original Parker 12ga A1 Special w/ fantastic Huey Case - Choice in every regard!!! 
Truly exceptional & finest quality fully optioned all original Parker 12ga A1 Special w/ fantastic Huey Case – Choice in every regard!!!

Truly exceptional & finest quality fully optioned all original Parker 12ga A1 Special w/ fantastic Huey Case – Choice in every regard!!! Exceedingly rare all original Parker A-1 Special 12ga built on a #2 frame with 30″ original Peerless Steel ventilated rib barrels.  Original beavertail forend is beautifully checkered and iron fully engraved.  The receiver is full coverage “Invincible” style scroll engraved with game scenes – very rare on any A1 Special, this one with large Ruffed Grouse on bottom, Geese with Pointer on left, Pheasant with setter on right all surrounded by perfectly executed full coverage scroll.  Barrels with scroll wedges at breech ends and frame with carved fences and carved pigtails on the bottom.  Stocked with an exceptional piece of European Walnut and fantastically checkered as seen in the photos.  Back end of the butt has a small Monte Carol and terminates with its original hardening Silvers pad.  Housed in a magnificent Marvin Huey elephant hide and oak case.  The case is custom fitted for this gun with accessories and is a remarkable work of art in its own right with a replacement cost today in excess of $5500!  Overall, the gun remains in fantastic all original untouched condition.  The barrels retain more than 97% original blue.  Action retains a lot of the original case color, particularly strong on the sides, but percentage is hard to ascertain due to the full coverage engraving.  Easily more than 50%, though.  Stocks are beautiful, sound, and original and retain nearly all of their original finish with only very minor handling marks.  The bores are brilliant and shiny, mechanics are crisp.  Gun was not used very much.  Case is near mint with only very minor rubs. Price: POR    

Hartmann & Weiss of Hamburg SLE 410ga - The First 410 H&W Ever Built - Boss Style Forward Rib Forend - 27” - Magnificent Masterpiece:
Hartmann & Weiss of Hamburg SLE 410ga – The First 410 H&W Ever Built – Boss Style Forward Rib Forend – 27” – Magnificent Masterpiece:

Hartmann & Weiss of Hamburg SLE 410ga – The First 410 H&W Ever Built – Boss Style Forward Rib Forend – 27” – Magnificent Masterpiece: Scalloped Frame – Deepset Narrow Barrels – Gold Inlays – Magnificent Custom Build by the finest German Craftsmen Extant – Featuring the Deepest Case Colors with Bobwhite Quail and Woodcock – Tiny English Style Scroll – Slender Sleek Styling – Potentially the finest craftsmanship I have ever listed for sale on my page. Maker’s Case, Cover and Accessories – a Fine Shotgun like no other. Shotgun Gauge: .410 Gauge Manufacturer: Hartmann & Weiss of Hamburg Model: Sidelock Ejector Boss Style Serial Number: 96-410 Barrel Length: 27” Condition: As New Stock: English Grip Stock Comb: 1 3/8” Stock Heel: 2 1/4” Stock Cast: Cast off for right hand Butt Pad: Checkered Butt LOP: 14 1/4” Finish: Fine hand Rubbed Oil Weight: 5 lbs 5 ozs Chokes: M/F. Price: $205,000

F.LLI PIOTTI King No.1 28ga 28" IC & F, Gold crest, Engraving by Contessa, 5#7oz, Factory leather case, EXC
F.LLI PIOTTI King No.1 28ga 28″ IC & F, Gold crest, Engraving by Contessa, 5#7oz, Factory leather case, EXC

F.LLI PIOTTI King No.1 28ga 28″ IC & F, Gold crest, Engraving by Contessa, 5#7oz, Factory leather case, EXC: Serial # 7466, Country of Origin  Italy, Barrel Length (in Inches) 28″, Choke R IC(.008), Choke L  F (F.025), Trigger DT (Double), Articulated trigger, Stock Configuration  Straight Grip, Gold oval, Checkered butt, Forearm Type  Splinter Forearm, Gold crest, Rib Type  Matted Concave Rib, Receiver Finish  Coin Finish Engraving Type  King I fine Italian scroll with bouquets by Contessa, Gold crown on top lever, Piotti name in gold Other Options  Factory leather case Condition  EXC. Plus Condition Weight  5#7oz Dimensions  11/2 x 2 1/4 x 14 1/2 with 1/8 cast off. Price: $25,000

Miroku L-II 12-bore Boxlock English Stock like Browning BSS but BETTER
Miroku L-II 12-bore Boxlock English Stock like Browning BSS but BETTER

Miroku L-II 12-bore Boxlock English Stock like Browning BSS but BETTER: For sale is a super nice Miroku L-II boxlock. This sleek 12-bore features a classic Anson and Deeley type boxlock action made popular by the Birmingham, England guntrade. Miroku is the maker of the Browning BSS and this is a cousin to that gun. Basically, its the same gun made in the same factory by the craftsman with a different name on it… But this Miroku is much better finished! This Miroku was intended for the European market and was purchased by a military man serving overseas. These European offerings are much better finished guns than the Browning versions in my opinion. This particular model looks like the classic English boxlock. The color cased action is nicely shaped and beautifully hand engraved with well-cut scroll engraving. The 28″ barrels are well struck and are choked IMP/FULL… a classic English choke combination. They’re topped with a flat rib and are balanced by a walnut stock classically configured with straight grip, splinter forend, and hand-cut checkering. The butt is finished with a silvers recoil pad. This shotgun is in great condition. The bores are clean, and barrel walls are free from dents. The stocks oil finish is still good and the stock is solid (though it does have a repaired crack from fall on a quail hunt 15 years ago. Many hundreds of rounds have been fired since that time with no issue). As you would expect, the gun functions perfectly. The lock up is rock solid, and the trigger pulls are nice and crisp. This quality gun is ready to provide a lifetime of reliable use to it new owner. Maker: Miroku, Model: L-II, Barrels: 28″, Chokes: IMP/FULL, Weight: 6lbs 12oz, DAC: 1 3/8″, DAH: 2 5/16″, LOP: 14 3/8″ over silvers pad, Cast: appears to be neutral. Price: $1,950

H Monk SXS 12g Boxlock 28 inch barrels
H Monk SXS 12g Boxlock 28 inch barrels

H Monk SXS 12g Boxlock 28 inch barrels: This is a dynamite English Double!! It’s in excellent shape! DOC 1.5″ DOH 2.5″ Lop 14.25″. weight is 6.25 lb. Chambers are 2.5 inches barrels are 28 inches long. This is a light dynamic shotgun!! You can carry this gun all day and it’s a delight to shoot. Chocked IC and MOD. You simply won’t find modern guns arhat are this well made and this dynamic for ten times the price. Price: $1,150

FYI: The accuracy of these listings has not been verified by Dogs and Doubles. All information has been provided by the sellers. Buyers are responsible for verifying the physical condition and all specifications of the listed items. Dogs and Doubles recommends you and a qualified gunsmith physically inspect an item before purchasing.

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 …

Truly exceptional, genuine, and very rare early Parker A1 Special 12ga - Superior engraving and metal work- early "Whit1" gun & the 6th A1
Truly exceptional, genuine, and very rare early Parker A1 Special 12ga – Superior engraving and metal work- early “Whit1” gun & the 6th A1

Truly exceptional, genuine, and very rare early Parker A1 Special 12ga – Superior engraving and metal work- early “Whit1” gun & the 6th A1: This extraordinary Parker A1 Special ranks amongst one of the nicest A1 Special 12ga guns I have handled.  Made in 1906 on a #2 frame, this exact gun is pictured on pages 359 and 360 of “The Parker Story.  This gun, with beautiful 30” Whitworth steel barrels made with fully checkered forend with fleur-de-lis pattern.  Made with double triggers, auto ejectors, auto safety, buttstock with gold capped pistol grip and terminates with an older Silver’s type pad.  The action is full coverage engraved in very deep relief floral and scroll pattern.  Sculpted fences.  The grip cap has a lined gold washer and the cap itself with full gold initial plate as seen in the photos.  Truly exceptional – this is the 6th A1 Special Parker Bros. ever made and is documented exactly as found today. This gun remains in excellent overall condition.  The barrels are superb with more than 97% factory quality rust blue.  Action has toned mostly with sharp engraving throughout.  Checkering is excellent and shows light handling wear.  Stocks are sound and retain most of their original finish with finish added for preservation.  The pad is an older replacement. This exceptional and rare Parker is housed in a full leather case.  The case is in excellent condition with only minor rubs. Price: $89,500

Purdey SxS 12 Gauge Sidelock SxS Game Gun
Purdey SxS 12 Gauge Sidelock SxS Game Gun

Purdey SxS 12 Gauge Sidelock SxS Game Gun: All original James Purdey & Sons 12 ga self opening game gun.  All original gun (except possibly pad), originally built in 1933.  Pad may be original as well as gun resold new in 1941 (original buyer did not take delivery of gun).  28 inch barrels, 2 5/8 inch chambers, choked IC / 1/2, measuring .006R/.020L.  Barrel wall thickness at .029 both.  Original London Proof Marks, matching serial numbers on all components, and Purdey barrel numbers intact.  Concave Game Rib marked with Purdey name, address, and special steel markings.  Ejectors.  Anson Fore-end fastener.  English straight stock LOP 14 3/8 in to pad, 13 5/8 in wood.  Drop 1 1/2 to 2 3/8 in.  Minimal Cast Off.  Weight 6 lb 4 oz.  Later leather case with Maker’s Label.  Assortment of accessories (some are A&F, New York) included.  Recent Purdey factory sales history document (2020) and 1930s Sales Brochure supplied with gun.  35 photo zip file available to interested parties. Price: $27,500

A H FOX, PHIL., XE GRADE - GORGEOUS 12 GAUGE
A H FOX, PHIL., XE GRADE – GORGEOUS 12 GAUGE

A H FOX, PHIL., XE GRADE – GORGEOUS 12 GAUGE: 28″ KRUPP FLUID STEEL BARRELS, NUMBER 4 WEIGHT, MODIFIED (.020) AND FULL (.034), 2 3/4″ CHAMBERS  EXCELLENT BLUE, MIRROR-BRIGHT BORES, TWIN IVORY SIGHTS, BARRELS RING BEAUTIFULLY.  DEEP CUT ACANTHUS SCROLL ENGRAVING AT THE BREECH ENDS. CASE COLORED FRAME HAS GORGEOUS DEEP RELIEF CUT ENGRAVING, VIGNETTE ON RIGHT WITH TWO QUAIL IN FLIGHT, LEFT SIDE HAS A PAIR OF DUCKS IN FLIGHT, STANDING FOX ON THE BOTTOM, BOLD LEAF FOLIATE PATTERN WITH STIPPLED BACKGROUND.  100% COVERAGE INCLUDING TOP LEVER, FENCES, TANG, TRIGGER GUARD AND FOREARM IRON, SCREWS.  TOP LEVER TO THE FAR RIGHT, TIGHT ON FACE. ROUND KNOB GRIP, LONG SPLINTER FOREARM WITH EBONY TIP.  FINE CHECKERING WITH RIBBON BANDS.  VERY ATTRACTIVE ENGLISH WALNUT WITH BOLD BLACK STREAKS.  ORIGINAL SILVERS PAD, 1 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ X 14 1/4″, 6 POUNDS 10 OUNCES.  WONDERFUL EARLY FOX IN VERY PLEASING CONDITION.  MADE IN 1915. Price: $11,000

Westley Richards Boxlock Game Gun 12 Gauge
Westley Richards Boxlock Game Gun 12 Gauge

Westley Richards Boxlock Game Gun 12 Gauge: Serial Number: T10352, Barrel Length: 26″, Stock Dimensions:1 1/2″ C x 2 1/2″ H, LOP: 14 1/8, Weight: 5 lbs 14 oz, Chokes: 1/4 – 3/4, Price: $2,950.

W.R. Pape ~ Newcastle ~ A great light little 12 by one of England's top makers
W.R. Pape ~ Newcastle ~ A great light little 12 by one of England’s top makers

W.R. Pape ~ Newcastle ~ A great light little 12 by one of England’s top makers:
Boxlocks – What a delightful little game gun by one of my favorite makers. William Rochester Pape was known among the English shotgun crowd as the “Purdey of the North.” This was a direct tribute to their quality and attention to detail. Serial Number: 11816, Ejectors: Yes, Barrels: 30″, Barrel Type: Steel, Action: Box lock ejector, Gauge: 12 gauge, Stock Comb: 1 7/16″, Stock Heel: 1 7/8″, Stock Cast: 1/8″, LOP: 14 7/8″, Weight: 6lbs 6oz., Choke Left: .034 full, Choke Right: Cyl., Proof: Nitro 2 1/2″, Minimum Wall Thickness Left: .029, Minimum Wall Thickness Right: .031. Price: $2,500

A mythical Parker: a 12 gauge A1-Special …

Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America's finest firearms
Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America’s finest firearms

The double you see here is one of the highest-grade side-by-sides ever made in America. It’s a 12 gauge Parker Bros. Quality A. No. 1 Special and it’s on a #2 frame with 32″ Whitworth steel barrels

Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America's finest firearms
Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America’s finest firearms

This incredible double just came on the market this week and it’s being offered by a dealer in North Carolina called Lion Stone Consultants. You can reach them at 704-280-2382. Price? Well, let’s just say it ain’t cheap.

Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America's finest firearms
Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America’s finest firearms

As you can imagine, this is a rare gun. Parker made about 79 A1-Specials. Of those, only thirteen were 12 gauges with 32″ barrels. It was ordered on 5/5/1914 and its original price was $397.75 — a lot of money considering the average annual salary for an American man was about $687 back then.

Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America's finest firearms
Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America’s finest firearms

Parker added the A-1 Special to their lineup in 1907.  and up until they built their first Invincible in 1923, it was the company’s highest-grade gun.

Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America's finest firearms
Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America’s finest firearms
Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America's finest firearms
Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America’s finest firearms
Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America's finest firearms
Parker 12g Quality A. No. 1 Special, one of America’s finest firearms

Spectacular Parker A1 Special 20g SxS coming to auction …

Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun

Here’s one of the finest doubles ever made in America. It’s a 20 gauge Parker A1 Special SxS, and it’s coming up in Julia’s Spring 2017 sale. If

Stunning Parker A1 Special With Extraordinary Engraving And Gold Inlay 20 ga In Original Untouched Condition, A Spectacular Find

Parker introduced the A1 Special in 1907, and it was their finest shotgun until they introduced the Invincible in the 1920s. In all, around 79 A1 Specials were made.

Parker A1 Special, from the Parker Collector's site
Parker A1 Special, from the Parker Collector’s site
Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Parker A1 Special 20 gauge SXS Double Barrel Shotgun

 

 

On Ebay now: an original 1937 “The Parker Gun” shotgun catalog…

1937 Parker Double Barrel Shotgun Catalog
1937 Parker Double Barrel Shotgun Catalog

Old gun catalogs from the original makers are one of the best places to learn about vintage shotguns. This Parker shotgun catalog on Ebay now is one of the nicest the company every produced. It’s also one of the most detailed and informative. If you’re really into Parker shotguns, it’s a must have.

This catalog is from 1937 – so well into Parker’s Remington period. I think it’s the final retail catalog Parker/Remington ever produced. With nice pictures, long descriptions and big pages (the catalog measures 11″ x 8 1/2″), it’s also one of the best. Ever single Parker shotgun available at the time is featured – from the A1 Special to single barrel Parker Trap guns. There are also accessories like butt pads and detailed instructions for ordering a new Parker side by side.

On the collector’s market, a catalog like this is a $400-$475 item, so if you can get this one for any less than that you’re going well. The auctions end on Feb 07, 2013 @ 17:30:18 PST, so get on it now.

Here’s part of the description of it from the seller’s listing:

1937 Parker Double Barrel Shotgun Catalog
1937 Parker Double Barrel Shotgun Catalog

“This is a all original Parker Gun Catalogue from when Remington took over production. The catalogue is in excellent condition with minimal wear , one small tear on one page…The catalog has all of the information when one was going to order one of these fine shotguns. It includes all of the grades from A1 Special to Trojan. It describes each grade in detail…”