damascus | Dogs and Doubles

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

September 11, 2022September 10, 2022 by Gregg

BEAUTIFUL Boss Best Sidelock 20 Gauge 26.5″ Barrels: Here we have a BEAUTIFUL Boss Best Sidelock in 20 Gauge! The barrels measure at 26.5″, with plenty of life left in it! This serial number is 7937. Boss Shotguns are always a remarkable piece to include in your collection as a true aficionado. This will also have a BLANK OVAL! Check out the specs on it below, and as always, thanks for looking! Price: $59,000

Griffin & Howe – Roundbody, SxS, 28ga. 27″ Barrels Choked IC/M. LEATHER MAKER’S CASE INCLUDED. MAKE OFFER: Highly figured European walnut straight grip stock, checkered butt, splinter forend, automatic ejectors, double triggers with he front trigger being articulated, game rib, full sidelock round frame gun manufactured for Griffin & Howe by Arrieta, traditional rose and scroll engraving over a case colored finish, gun remains in excellent condition, leather makers’ case, available for immediate delivery. 5 lbs. 12 oz. 14 5/8” x 1 ½” x 2 3/8”. Price: $8,995

Piotti Piuma BSEE 12 gauge: Piotti BSEE 12 gauge boxlock circa 1983 imported by William Larkin Moore, straight grip splinter forend double triggersand chopper lump barrels in excellent as new condition weight is only 6LBS 2OZ A great grouse and woodcock gun with 27 inch barrels. Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge Manufacturer: Piotti Model: Piuma BSEE Serial Number: 7976 Barrel Length: 27 inch Bore Info: .731″ Chambers: 2 3/4″ Ejectors: yes Condition: excellent Metal Condition: excellent Wood Condition: excellent Bore Condition: perfect Action: boxlock Triggers: double Stock: straight Stock Comb: 1 3/8″ Stock Heel: 2 1/4″ Stock Cast: 1/4 cast off Fore End: splinter Butt Pad: checkered LOP: 14 1/4″ Rib: flat file Finish: oil finish Weight: 6lbs 2oz Choke Left: .020 modified Choke Right: .012 improved cylinder Minimum Wall Thickness Left: .027″ Minimum Wall Thickness Right: .027″. Price: $7,500

A.H. Fox 20Ga Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland Deluxe Straight Grip, Original

A.H. Fox 20Ga Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland Deluxe Straight Grip, Original: Tight and on face. 40% faded case colors. 98% plus barrel blue. Mirror bores. SN 270806. Factory letter. + original blue, Mfg 1939. Twin ivory beads. mirror bores. 26” Barrels, chokes R -.010”, L +.014”. (right choke is skeet out basically, typical S&U choking in right barrel.) 2 ¾” chambers. Stock shows 98 % original finish. No cracks, splits or chips. Drop 1 1/2” x 2 5/8”. LOP 14 ” factory buttplate. Weight 6 lbs 1 oz. Shotgun Gauge: 20 Gauge Manufacturer: A.H. Fox Model: Sterlingworth Skeet & Upland Barrel Length: 26″ Condition: Excellent. Price: $5,495

BEAUTIFULLY CASED AND ENGRAVED BLISSETT & SON DOUBLE BARREL 12 GAUGE HAMMER SHOTGUN

BEAUTIFULLY CASED HARDENED AND ENGRAVED BLISSETT & SON DOUBLE BARREL 12 GAUGE HAMMER SHOTGUN: 28 inch barrels. Cylinder bore in both barrels. 14 inch LOP. The gun is delicately engraved and has vivid case colors. Straight grip stock is in fine condition with sharp checkering. Trigger guard has most bright original blue. Fitted in a L.L. Bean newly manufactured case. An attractive looking outfit. Price: $2,295

FYI: DogsandDoubles.com is a not a gun dealer. We do not sell firearms. The guns you see listed here are from Gunsinternational.com, a site DogsandDoubles.com is not affiliated with in any way. The accuracy of these listings from Gunsinternational.com 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 suggests you and a qualified gunsmith physically inspect an item before purchasing.

Any statements made on DogsandDoubles.com regarding a firearm’s condition, originality, safety, value, or suitability to use are opinions only. These statements have not been verified. They’re not guaranteed to be accurate or correct in any way.

See the twist in Damascus twist shotgun barrels…

October 7, 2017 by Gregg

Damascus barrel making, showing the stacked ribbons and how they're twisted — Damascus barrel making, showing the stacked ribbons and how they’re twisted

I love old doubles, and a big reason why is their damascus barrels.

Gunmakers started using damascus in the 1500’s. By the mid 19th century, barrels built from it were the absolute finest available and incredibly beautiful. They were also tough to make, requiring a ton of time, manual labor, and skill. Consequently, they were by far the most expensive part of a gun.

The pics you see here are of a salesmen’s sample for a damascus-steel shotgun barrel. Basically, a barrel like this is build in three steps:

1: Stacks of various metal, sort of like club sandwiches, were hammer forged into ribbons

2: These ribbons are twisted and hammer forged into a single strip

3: This strip is twisted around a mandrel and hammer forged into a tube

Damascus barrel making, stacked ribbons on right, completed tub on the left

Damascus barrel making, twisted sections hammer forged into strip which is wound around mandrel

Damascus barrel making, final barrel after strip is hammer forged

Auction alert: 12 gauge W. & C. Scott Premier, 19th century…

February 15, 2016February 14, 2016 by Gregg

W. & C. Scott 12 ga. Premiere Grade SxS Shotgun

Here’s one of my all time favorite shotguns. This 12g Scott Premier is on Gunbroker.com now. The listing ends today, 2/15/2016, @ 11:04:58 AM ET.

W. & C. Scott 12 ga. Premiere Grade SxS Shotgun: This fine Scott features beautiful Damascus barrels. Early hammerless sidelock non-ejector with crystal indicators, patent “Lever Grip Lock”, and “Block Safety”. Good 30″x2 5/8″ Damascus barrels, bores (Ic/F). Engraved action w. English scroll each lockplate. Good wood on this English sidelock. The gun is shootable, but slightly off the face. Widows peak on butt plate, full length trigger and Doll’s head 3rd fasterner Antique: Yes Manufacturer: W. & C. Scott Damascus 12 ga. with good barrels. Serial Number: 275XX Ejectors: Yes Barrels: 30 Barrel Type: Damascus Action: back action Gauge: 12 gauge Stock Comb: 1 7/8” Stock Heel: 2 ¾”.

A 12g John Dickson & Son Round Action you’ll drool over…

February 2, 2016September 23, 2018 by Gregg

12 BORE DICKSON ROUND ACTION SPORTING EJECTOR SIDE-BY-SIDE SHOTGUN CIRCA 1898 — 12 BORE DICKSON ROUND ACTION SPORTING EJECTOR SIDE-BY-SIDE SHOTGUN
CIRCA 1898

Of all the iconic British designs for hammerless double barrel shotguns, the Dickson Round Action is certainly the most unique.

And according to a lot of people, it’s also the most beautiful. Take a look at this one which just came up at Lyon & Turnbull auctioneers in Edinburgh, Scotland to see if you agree.

James MacNaughton filed a patent for a the world’s first trigger plate, round action hammerless breech loading SxS shotgun in July, 1879. Six months later (January of 1880), John Dickson filed a patent for what would become his company’s legendary Dickson Round Action.

Both designs were innovative and brilliant. By moving the lockwork onto the triggerplate and behind the breechface, MacNaughton and Dickson freed themselves to build trim, sleek actions which were still extremely strong.

On this Dickson, the full-coverage scroll engraving and the Acanthus-leave carvings on the fences are very unique, and part of what makes this side-by-side so beautiful.

A dream almost comes true …

October 18, 2015October 17, 2015 by Gregg

12g W. & C. Scott Premier hammergun, bar in wood

I love old W. & C. Scotts, especially Premiers. They’re one of the apexes of gunmaking, and in their day, they were one of the finest guns made (and extremely expensive). Scott sold a lot of them to American shooters, and most of the ones you see on the market today are hammerless models like this one, and, occasionally, bar-action hammerguns like this.

But here’s a W & C Scott Premier hammergun unlike any others I’ve ever seen. It’s a 12g Premier hammergun built on a bar-in-wood style action. A few years ago, a dealer called Mid South advertised one of these. I wonder if it’s the same gun? Actually, I hope it’s not.

On this one, some knucklehead F-up the bbls. They’re cut, and the chambers have been lengthened. Other than that, it’s a stunning shotgun, and it looks like it’s in great shape. When I first saw it, I was on the phone right away. I had 1/2 the dealer’s number punched in before I read the part about the barrels. Then I hung up. That kind of shit is a deal killer for me.

BTW: A gunsmith friend of mine told me that a lot of the English bar-in-wood shotguns he has seen came out of the same shop in Birmingham – at least in the early stages. This includes bar-in-woods with famous names like James Purdey on them.

This guns looks like the some of the Purdey bar-in-woods I’ve seen. I wonder if it originated in this same place.

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

September 7, 2015 by Gregg

John Dickson of Edinburgh, 12g Round Action SxS shotgun with super rare sidelever: The Dickson round action is arguably considered to be the most elegant of all the side by side shotguns. Combine this with what is thought of as the most elegant of opening methods, the side lever, almost nirvana of the sidelock shotgun has been obtained. Only 26 round action Dickson guns were ever built. Great near perfect Damascus barrels with beautiful bores and excellent minimum wall thickness. Stock dimensions are excellent. If it were mine to keep and shoot I would have us remove the wood extension and install a best quality leather covered pad. This only costs and extra $300 and only takes two weeks. Built early in 1903. Price: $27,500

Browning Superposed – A1 Superlight – 20ga – OU – English Stock Schnabel Forearm – IC / IM Choke: 1982 – Browning Superposed – A1 Game Gun – 20ga, 26-1/2″, 2-3/4″, IC / IM, English Stock, Schnabel Forearm, LOP 14-3/8″, Drop 1-7/16″ to 2-1/4″, Weight 5 lbs. 15 oz. RARE Variation. Same gun as U.S. Market Superlight. During this period, there were no Grade I Superposed guns being produced for the U.S. Market. Price: $4,550

BERETTA – – RARE – – S56E – 20ga – 2 Barrel Set – O/U – Double Triggers – Ejectors – Prince of Whales Grip: 1968 – Beretta S56E – 20ga 2 Bbl Set – 26-1/2″ IC / M & 26-1/2″ F / XF, Double Triggers, Ejectors, Prince of Whales Grip, LOP 14″, Drop 1-3/8″ to 2-1/4″, Weight 5 lbs. 11 oz. Very Rare Gun:

Hand Engraved
Double Triggers
Round Knob Stock
Two Barrel Set

Price: $2,450

BERETTA - - RARE - - S56E - 20ga - 2 Barrel Set - O/U - Double Triggers - Ejectors - Prince of Whales Grip — BERETTA – – RARE – – S56E – 20ga – 2 Barrel Set – O/U – Double Triggers – Ejectors – Prince of Whales Grip

Ithaca Grade 2E, Side-by-Side, 10 Gauge 3 1/2″ Magnum: 32″ BARRELS, FULL AND FULL, VERY GOOD BLUE, MIRROR BORES, TWIN IVORY SIGHTS, AUTOMATIC EJECTORS. TYPICAL ENGRAVING PATTERN WITH A WOODCOCK ON THE RIGHT, QUAIL ON LEFT PLUS SCROLLWORK AND BORDERS, FADED CASE COLOR, EXCELLENT, ENGRAVED SCREWS, TOP LEVER TO FAR RIGHT. PISTOL GRIP STOCK, SPLINTER FOREARM, NICELY FIGURED WOOD AND NEAR PERFECT CHECKERING. GREAT DIMENSIONS 1 3/8″ X 2″ X 14 1/4″, 10 POUNDS. LATE GUN, NO COCKING INDICATORS. SERIAL NUMBER OVER 500,OOO. SCARCE – ONLY 164 GRADE TWO 10 GAUGE MAGNUMS WERE PRODUCED. CIRCA MID 1930’S. ALL ORIGINAL FINISH. Price: $4,750

William Powell & Son, Carrs Lane, Birmingham, SxS, 10g, For Fisher & Long, Detroit, Michigan: 10 gauge bar-in-wood William Powell, # 4834, built in 1872, 30 inch barrels, tight as new, 11.3 pounds, heavy, but the gun handles very well, imp cyl-mod choke in both barrels, patterns well, light pitting, could be honed out, these barrels are thick. The gun shows use, but not heavy use, screws are untouched, checkering is still good, now worn or recut, no cracks in stock, which is very stout. Barrels have not been cut, border engraved. Price: $1,950

Auction alert: Odd Ithaca…16 gauge B-grade hammergun…

February 13, 2015 by Gregg

ITHACA 16 GA B-GRADE SxS HAMMER GUN IN GREAT CONDITION

When I think of Ithaca, the shotguns that come to mind are SxSs like the Flues, NIDs, and the Magnum 10s, as well as the company’s fantastic Model 37 pump (in 16 gauge, of course).

The last shotgun I think of the one you see here: a boxlock-style hammergun in 16 gauge with damascus barrels. It’s on Gunbroker.com now and the online auctions ends on 2/14/2015 @ 6:49:38 PM ET.

Ithaca made hammerguns from about 1886-1913. It made a lot of them, too — around 46,00 in all. These shotguns went through a number of refinements over their 27-year run, and the model you see here is the Ithaca hammergun in its final stage. As you can see, it’s sort of a boxlock with external hammers – an odd but effective design. Ithaca made hammerguns in a number of grades. This is a B – a low-mid grade -and it appears to be in excellent original condition. I love the crisp finish on the wood and those long damascus barrels.

ITHACA 16 GA B-GRADE SxS HAMMER GUN IN GREAT CONDITION: 30 INCH DAMASCUS BBLS WITH EXCELLENT BORES WITH FULL AND FULL CHOKES. LOP IS 14 AND DAH IS 2-1/2 INCHES. WITH 2-1/2 INCH CHAMBERS.WEIGHT IS 6 LBS 10 OZS. GREAT WOOD WITH FEW HANDLING MARKS AND NICE PATINA ON THE BBLS. GUN IN UNTOUCHED ORIGINAL CONDITION. SHE WAS BUILT IN 1912.

Auction alert: a rare & nice 12 gauge L.C. Smith No. 5…

February 12, 2015 by Gregg

LC Smith Number 5 Unrestored Unmolested Original Matching #s Elsie 5, Mfg 1903*No Reserve* Very Rare

Here’s a great looking American double that’s very hard to find. It’s an L.C. Smith No. 5, and it looks like it’s in excellent original condition. Best of all, it’s on Gunbroker.com now at no reserve. The listing ends Thursday, 2/12/2015, @ 5:30:45 PM ET – so if you like what you see, you’ve got to move right away.

The No. 5 was L.C. Smith upper middle grade gun, comparable in cost to a Parker DHE or CHE (even though the L.C. has much finer engraving). Hunter Arms built them from 1894-1912, and in all, they made just 523. Every one was made to order, so engraving patterns vary a bit by shotgun.

From the L.C. Smith collector’s website:

“Our No. 5 Smith Gun meets the views of the patron who is in need of a gun handsomely finished and elaborately engraved. We embody in this gun much of beauty. This grade has always stood well ahead”

LC Smith Number 5 Unrestored Unmolested Original Matching #s Elsie 5, Mfg 1903*No Reserve* Very Rare: 12 gauge, 30″ bbls I have a 1903 Elsie number 5 that has been in the gun safe for years and is now time for some else to enjoy her! This gun is matching numbers, original number 5. The silver receiver is in excellent if not perfect condition, the butt stock has a couple minor scratches with no cracks top or bottom which is rare for this gun. The fore stock is in excellent condition and locks the gun up tight and allows for the ejectors to work. The Damascus Barrels very bright and shiny and are in great shape with a small repairable rap about 1/4″ round located 6 inches from the end of the left barrel.

Wow – check out the condition on this 130-year old W. & C. Scott…

January 31, 2015 by Gregg

10g W. & C. Scott Excellentia Triple back action sidelock SxS shotgun, circa 1887

Here’s a stunning SxS shotgun. This 10 -gauge W. & C. Scott is almost 130 years old and it looks like it’s close to new and all original:

W. C. Scott & Sons SXS 10 GA, 30″ barrels Full and Full 14″ LOP 9.8 pounds great bores nice tight lockup.

This shotgun is an W. & C. Scott Excellentia Triplex, Scott’s B-grade hammerless double and one step down from The Premier, their best quality double. (Scott also made at least two back-action “Premier Extra Specials” during this time, but I don’t think that grade was ever officially offered by the company.) The color-case hardening is fantastic and I love the acorns chiseled on the locks and action. The brown on the bbls is great, too and so is the blueing (note: Those bbls were browned originally and never finished in black & white like some people believe). Check out the shape of the stock, too. Nobody makes stocks like that anymore.

Scott made back-action Excellentia’s from 1884 to 1888. I think this one was made in 1887. It’s on a Scott & Baker patent action and it has Scott & Baker patent gas checks, a version of Scott’s patent Triplex Lever Grip and Crystal Cocked Indicators and Needham & Hinton-patent Block Safety (intercepting sears) on the locks. What a gun.

If you have a Scott shotgun and are looking to find out more about it or sell it, please let me know. I would be happy to help you with it.

A beautiful 10g hammergun by John Dickson & Sons…

January 26, 2015January 25, 2015 by Gregg

John Dickson & Son, 10 gauge Hammer (Under Lever) Shotgun

John Dickson & Sons is Scotland most famous gunmaker. Established in 1820, Dickson first made a name for itself in the 1840s with their fine “Improved Two Grooved Rifles”, a modified version of the British Army’s Brunswick rifle. Later in 1880, the company patented their famous Round Action trigger plate shotgun. In between, they built the 10 bore hammer gun you see.

This double was sold by Dickson in December, 1875, and it looks very original. As you can tell from the specs, it’s big, heavy gun, probably made for pigeon shooting or waterfowling. I would love to get my hands on it and find out how those 32″ barrels feel.

John Dickson & Son, 10 gauge Hammer (Under Lever) Shotgun: Barrel: 32″, Stock: 141/2“, Chokes: 1/8 & 1/8, Weight: 8lb. 2oz. Bore: Left thou, Right thou, Min Wall: Left 35th thou, Right 35th thou, Circa: 1873 Trigger: 2, Ejection: Yes, Serial #: 3179. Price: £6,995

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

January 25, 2015 by Gregg

Pre-war Westley Richards 12 ga. pair, 28′ barrels: 2-3/4″ chambers. Numbered 1 and 2 in gold; #1 choked modified/modified (.017/.017), #2 choked improved cylinder and open modified (.010/.013). Single selective triggers, automatic ejectors. These are “Best Quality” Westley guns as described in their catalog. The scalloped back actions feature hinged floorplates and the Westley patent detachable locks, dolls head extension with sliding third bite. Guns are fully engraved with fine English scroll surrounding “Westley Richards” in a banner. Trigger guards engraved with a pointing dog. Guns retain 95% case color and 96% blue. Splinter forends, nicely figured straight grip stocks measure about 1-1/2′ comb, 2-1/8″ heel, LOP 14″ over a 3/4″ leather pad. Weight is just shy of 6 lbs, 12 oz. Complete with fitted full leather trunk case with brass corners. Price: $23,500

Beautiful and rare 16ga Bittner Side lock, built in 1915, as shown in the Double Gun Journal: Very Rare Bittner side lock, built in 1915 and sold by Stavanoha in Vienna. The gun features beautiful wood and fine rose scroll engraving, 29.5″ long barrels, a LOP of 14.25″, DAC of 1.5″ and DAH of 2.75″. Solid silvers pad and the nicely engraved long trigger guard tang as should be found on a straight gripped gun. This remarkable gun not only survived two world wars but was also featured in the Double Gun Journal a few years ago. This little sweetheart weighs only 6.6lbs too. Price: $7,800

Rigby Hammer Double 12 GA SxS: Caliber: 12 GA, Chambers: 2 3/4 inch, Metal Condition: Very good. Shows a little age, Wood Condition: Very good with minor handling marks. Bore Condition: Bright and shiny. Barrels: 30 inch Damascus steel with a solid rib. Triggers: Double. Stock: Checkered walnut straight stock. Engraved receiver, tangs, hammers and side plates. Stock Dimensions:LOP 14 1/2 inches. Fore End: Checkered walnut Splinter. Butt Pad: Smooth steel plate. Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz. Chokes: Fixed Mod. and Cyl. Extras:With Case. Price: $6,499.99

W.R. Pape 12b Hammer Gun: Pape hammer gun in excellent original condition utilizing Papes patent 1504 of 1866 for lock up. 29″ damascus barrels choked R -IC, L-IM, and with recent British nitro proof and 2 3/4″ chambers. Bores are near perfect. Min wall Thickness R=.030 6″ from muzzle, L=.026 9″ from Muzzle. It was made in 1887. Profuse and crisp engraving all over along with Papes fancy checkering patterns make for a beautiful and unique gun It weighs 6lbs 2oz. Back action locks with rebounding hammers. LOP is 14 3/8 to heel and toe plates and a uniquely checked butt in between. There is a sligtht cast for right hand shooters. This gun is a collectors dream, made by the “Purdey” of the north. The only negative is that one of the hammer screws is missing – it has been replaced but it shoud be remade and engraved by a professional. The original was lost while shooting skeet several years ago. Price: $5500

Uriguen 12b sidelock SxS shotgun with 7 pin H&H style locks: Like new condition Uriguen high end Spanish double with removeable H&H style 7 pin locks with gold washed parts. 100% very crisp engraving coverage with more at breech end of barrels. Barrels are 32″ choked R=IC, L=IM and beautifully blacked. My original intent when I got this gun was to have the barrels shortened to 30″ and removeable chokes installed but I never got to it. Nicely grained stock wood with crisp fine checkering. It weighs 7 lbs. 4oz. LOP=14 5/8 to a Silvers style pad. Dac= 1 1/4, Dah= 1 3/4. There is also a slight cast for a right handed shooter. Non ejector. I will split shipping your dealer in contiguous 48. More Pix to interested buyers. Price: $2500

Auction alert: 12g Charles Daly Diamond Quality, Lindner-made SxS…

December 16, 2014 by Gregg

Lindner Made Charles Daly SxS Shotgun, Diamond Quality SN307, 1800s Antique 12 Gauge

I’ve written a lot about Charles Daly shotguns — and for good reason. Up until the mid-1930s, Daly shotguns were some of the finest doubles sold in the US.

Charles Daly was a businessman, not a gunmaker. Around 1875 he partnered with August Shoverling to import shotguns into the United States. These side-by-sides were marketed under the Charles Daly name, and early on they were built by serveral different makers.

By the time this gun was built, Daly had established a relationship with a German gunmaker named Harold Lindner. The Lindner-Daly relationship lasted from the end of the 19th century until around WW1, and produced some of the finest boxlock shotguns ever made.

This Daly is Gunauction.com now at No Reserve and the listing ends December 21, 2014, @ 17:27:00 PT.

BTW: You can see more nice Charles Dalys that I’ve written about here and here.

Lindner Made Charles Daly SxS Shotgun, Diamond Quality SN307, 1800s Antique 12 Gauge

Model: Side by Side

Serial Number: 307

Year of Manufacture: Pre-1890 (Crown over Crossed Pistols Proof)

Gauge: 12 Gauge

Action Type: Side by Side (SxS) with Dual Triggers and Automatic Ejectors

Markings: The lock plates are marked “CHARLES DALY THURINGIA”. The underside of the receiver is engraved with a pointing dog and pheasant game scene. The underside of the trigger guard is decorated with a Deer. The bottom tang is marked “307”. The top tang is marked “SAFE” in gold. The water table is marked “307”. The metal oval insert on the belly of the buttstock is marked “D.B. RESS”. The top rib is marked “CHARLES DALY EXTRA FINE DAMASCUS BARRELS DIAMOND QUALITY”. The underside of the left barrel is marked “LE”. Both barrels are marked “SAXONY” and with crossed pistols with a crown above them. The underside of the right barrel is marked “453”. The right barrel flat is marked “307”. The forend hardware is marked “307”.

Barrel Length: 28”

Choke: Both bores measure .715” at the muzzle.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a steel bead front sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut. The forend has some compression marks. The buttstock has a rounded pistol grip. The butt of the pistol grip has an oval recession. There are light scratches, compression marks and handling marks throughout. The belly of the buttstock has an oval piece of metal inlayed which is marked “D.B. Ress”. The LOP measures 14 ¼” from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the horn buttplate. There are small holes in the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Finish Originality: All Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There are a few light scratches down the length of the bores. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some pinprick surface erosion and frosting on the underside of the receiver and trigger guard. The barrel shows a light brown patina. The Herringbone Damascus pattern is still very visible. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. We have not fired this shotgun.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This was a Charles Daly marked shotgun made in Germany by Heinrich Lindner. This particular model is a Diamond quality with fine engraving and special Manufacture Extra Damascus barrels which were said to be five times more expensive than the standard Damascus. This is truly a quality firearm and was made to last. This is for the collector and is in great functioning condition.

Would you have pulled the trigger on this Parker?

June 5, 2014 by Gregg

Here’s a shotgun I’ve always wanted: a 16g Parker DH with a straight grip and damascus barrels. This one popped up on Gunsinternational.com on Tuesday. I must of spent half an hour looking it over, examining the pics, reading the description, and wondering if I had finally found one of my dream guns.

At first glance, this one looks like a decent, pretty original double. It’s old (#82,242 – 1895), and a bit tired, and I doubt the checkered side panels are original. But the rest of the gun looks solid. Unfortunately, it sounds like the barrels are in poor shape and off the face. Those are deal killers for me, especially on a gun that cost $2899 (I think that was the asking price). I decided to pass. But I guess those warts were fine with someone else. The gun was marked SOLD by the end of the day.

Parker introduced their DH (D – or Grade 3- and H for hammerless) shotguns in 1888 and these side-by-sides went on to be the company’s most popular line of “fine guns”. The company made 16,398 of them, and each one was custom ordered. According to The Parker Story, just 458 of those 16,398 DHs were 16 gauges with damascus barrels. Of those, maybe 10% were built with straight grips – and that’s a very optimistic maybe.

I saw a real nice 16g DHE with damascus barrels and a straight grip 3-4 years ago. The only problem was its 13 1/2″ LOP to a skeleton butt plate. Too short for me, and the gun was too much money to buy it and mess with. Oh well….

On Gunbroker.com now: A rare 16g L.C. Smith No. 2E, 28″ damascus bbls…

December 9, 2013 by Gregg

L.C. Smith 16 gauge No. 2 with Ejectors & 28" damascus barrels — L.C. Smith 16 gauge No. 2 with Ejectors & 28″ damascus barrels

I don’t like to sell my shotguns, especially if it’s one I’ve had for a while. Once I’ve had a double for a few seasons, we’ve been places together and shared time.

I remember slipping it out of its case at the beginning of hope-filled October days and breaking it down as I remember the points made and the birds hit and missed. The gun becomes part of my season – as important to me as the people and dogs I walk the woods with and the covers I visit.

But life is expensive, especially if you’re crazy about dogs, hunting and old shotguns. As bills pile up, some things have to go. So it’s time to say goodbye to this one: An L.C. Smith 16 gauge No. 2 with Ejectors and 28″ damascus barrels. It’s on Gunbroker.com now, and the listing ends tomorrow, 12/10/2013, at 9:00 p.m. ET.

The Hunter Arms Co. introduced the No. 2 grade guns in 1890 and they built them until 1914. The No. 2 was a popular model, but people didn’t order many of them in 16 gauge. Of the 12,483 No. 2s the company made 12,483, just 793 were sixteens.

Far, far fewer of these sixteens had ejectors, damascus barrels, and double triggers. So the SxS you see here is tough to find, and when you factor in its condition, you’re looking at an extremely rare double barrel shotgun.

Rare: a a 12g Sneider side-by-side hammerless shotgun…

October 27, 2013 by Gregg

12 gauge Sneider Hammerless Double Barrel Shotgun

It seems odd now, but 150 years ago the “hammerless” centerfire shotgun was a novel design. London’s Theophilus Murcott patented one in 1871, followed by Westley Richards in 1875.

Over here in the US, Daniel Myron Lefever patented his lever-cocking, hammerless design in 1878. Soon after him, Charles Sneider came out with the design you see here.

12 gauge Sneider double barrel hammerless shotgun

Sneider was a gunmaker in Baltimore. He started out making hammer guns and then later in his career and introduced hammerless models like this one around 1879-1880. I’m not sure how many guns he made in all, but I’m sure the number is number a fewer than a thousand, and I bet the total number of hammerless models is no more than 200.

I’ve seen a couple hammerless Sneiders, and their quality and elegance impressed me. Take a look at the pics posted here to see what I mean.

Victorian England in your hands: A William Powell & Son bar-in-wood double……

July 31, 2013 by Gregg

12g William Powell & Son, Double Barrel, Bar-in-Wood, Double Barrel Shotgun

I like the old and impractical: bamboo fly rods…wooden decoys…books…and, of course, double-barrel shotguns — especially hammer guns with damascus barrels.

From about 1866-1875, centerfire hammer guns were the latest-and-greatest thing in the shooting world. Once they were introduced, hunters from the moors of Scotland to the Susquehanna flats tossed aside their slow-to-load percussion guns for the newest thing in double barrels.

William Powell & Son was one of the first British gunmakers to produce breachloading centerfire shotguns. Their side-by-sides were built on Powell’s “No. 1 patent” of 1864 and featured a snap-action, lift-up toplever design. The shotgun you see here is one of those doubles.

According to Steve Helsey at PowellsPatent.com, this one was ordered in 1869 by a Captain Cave. At that time, Powell had five hammer gun grades – Superior, Very Best, Best, Plain and Second. This shotgun is a “best”, or middle-grade gun.

Good gun alert: a nice looking Lefever double in 16 gauge…

June 4, 2013 by Gregg

16 gauge Syracuse Lefever Double Barrel Shotgun, 28" Damascus bbls — 16 gauge Syracuse Lefever Double Barrel Shotgun, 28″ Damascus bbls

The sixteen was never America’s favorite gauge Even though all our makers built 16s, the gauge that was most popular with us was the twelve. There’s a simple reason for this: versatility. Most American shooters were opportunistic. They shot everything from waterfowl to rabbits and upland game. A twelve could handle all this action.

But the sixteen always had lot of fans – and for good reason. For an upland game it’s hard to beat. Slightly larger than a standard 20, it handles a bit more lead if required. It’s also feel better in your hands (at least it does in mine).

Of all the America makers, Lefever made the fewest 16 gauge double barrels. Daniel Myron Lefever was one of the geniuses of American gunmaking. Born in 1835, he started making firearms under his own name in 1857. In 1880 he formed the Lefever Arms Co in Syracuse, NY. The company was only around until 1919, and in that time they only built around 65,000 shotguns. I’m not sure how many of these were 16s, but I bet the number is under 10%.

The 16 gauge Lefever you see here is a G or an H grade, probably made around 1897. The G and H grade were the lower end of the SxS shotguns Lefever made, and they compared to L.C. Smith’s #2 and Parker’s GH grade doubles.

Here’s more about this Lefever from the seller:

Lefever Sidelock 16 GA: 28″ damascus bbls, Full & Full chokes, double triggers, 14″ LOP, 6 1/4lbs. Metal has little finish remaining but bores remain excellent. Lockup is tight and solid. Wood has darkened with age and forend has a filler peice added. Sidelocks have cockimg indicators and mechanical function is excellent! Price: $1,199.99

Auction alert: Awesome doubles by Charles Daly & more to come…

May 20, 2013 by Gregg

Little John’s Auction Service annual May antique and sporting guns auction starts this Wednesday. If you’re into nice doubles, this is a sale you don’t want to miss. It’s a big auction, spread out over 2 days – Wednesday & Thursday, May 22-23. I’m going to put up several posts featuring the highlights of this sale. To start, check out these great Lindner-made Charles Daly Double Barrel SxS shotguns:

20 gauge Charles Daly Prussian/Lindner Double Barrel Side-by-Side Shotgun

Lot 217: Charles Daly Prussian/Lindner #481, 20g Two Barrel Set: Damascus steel barrels, 28” & 27 7/8”, double triggers, auto ejectors with a Capt. A. H. Hardy case. Very good condition showing 65% to 85% original finish on both barrels. 14 ¼” LOP to original horn checkered butt plate. Stocks is very good plus to near fine condition with some slight refreshing and no sanding. Est. $2500-$5000

12 gauge Charles Daly Prussian/Lindner Diamond Quality Double Barrel Side-by-Side Shotgun

Lot 665: Charles Daly Prussian/ Lindner, Diamond grade, 12 gauge, #3615: 30″ extra fine quality Damascus barrel’s, double triggers, cocking indicators, automatic ejectors.LOP 14 ½ , 2″ Drop at Heel. Near fine original condition with 50% to 75% original case. 50% to 60% thinning original blue finish. Very good stock. Est. $2500-$5000

Lot 1038: Charles Daly Diamond grade, 12 gauge, #905: 30″ Damascus barrels. Lindner markings beneath the barrel. IC/ MOD. The stock measures 14 ¼ inch to the end of the original horn butt plate. The gun shows double triggers, auto ejectors, cocking indicators and is finally banknote and game scene engraved. The gun remains and fine to excellent original condition showing 95% plus original Brown and Demascus pattern finish on the barrels with 75% to 85% original case hardening on the frame just starting to drift a little silver, but still very colorful. The trigger guard shows traces of original blue going to natural steel color. The wood remains in very good plus to near fine condition. The gun shows very little to almost no use. The stock shows a 2 3/4 inch drop the heel with a 1 ½ inch drop the comb and a slight cast off of a ¼ inch at the toe. Est. $3500-$7000

Lot 1053: Charles Daly Diamond grade12 gauge #3659: 27 1/4″ damascus barrels, Double triggers, auto ejectors, cocking indicators, and fancy checkered deluxe walnut stocks with pistol grip. IC/M. The barrels show 30%-50% original finish. The frame shows 30% – 50% case hardening. The stock have been expertly refreshed and restored as there was a crack at the wrist that has been professionally repaired. 13 1/4″ LOP. 6 pounds. Est. $2500-$5000

Rare and beautiful. A double barrel 12 gauge by William Donn / Thomas Kilby…

May 9, 2013 by Gregg

12 gauge Thomas Kilby Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun

The title “gunmaker” has always had always had a broad definition, especially here in America. Some of our gunmakers did make shotguns and rifles from scratch (or mostly from scratch). But others bought parts from overseas and then assembled, stocked, and finished off the firearm over here.

Many more American “gunmakers” were retailers who had their firearms built in their name by real gunmakers in the UK and Europe. Charles Daly is the most famous of these gunmaker-retailers, and until around World War II, side-by-sides carrying his name were made in Germany. From the looks of the sh otgun you see here, William Donn was following a similar business model.

William Donn was gunsmith/gunmaker who worked in the Peoria to Chicago area from around 1870-1910. For while he has was partners with his brother, John. Later in his career he was on his own. Sometimes during in this second phase he imported this shotgun from the UK.

This side-by-side was made by Thomas Kilby of Thomas Kilby & Son, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, England, Kilby was a famous British barrel maker, and it looks like he also supplied finished SxS shotguns to retailers in the United States. While most ofhte work looks British, I’m not sure if Kilby also had the stock carved. He may have, or Donn may have had it done over here. Regardless, it’s a beautiful shotgun, and one I would love to call my own.

Auction alert: Wow -10g Parker Bros. Quality 6, A-grade, lift-action hammer shotgun….

May 4, 2013May 4, 2013 by Gregg

10 gauge Parker Bros. Quality 6 SxS lift-lever shotgun, 2 sets of Damascus steel barrels and case in 10 ga

Parker Bros. was one of America’s oldest, largest, and most innovative gun makers. From 1869 to 1942, the company turned out over 240,000+ shotguns.

The one you see is built on the Parker Lifter-Action, one of the company’s earliest designs. It’s an A-grade, and it was the top-of-line Parker back when it was made in 1876. As a 2-barrel set in what looks to be its original case, it’s a fantastic shotgun and important piece of American gunmaking history.

It’s up for auction now, and the sale ends tomorrow May 5, 2013 @ 15:00:00 PT. Whoever get this double will be lucky person. Here’s more info on the gun from the seller:

10 gauge Parker Bros, Quality 6, A-grade, Double Barrel Lifter-action Shotgun: 6801 mfg. circa 1876. Quality 6 SxS shotgun with two sets of Damascus steel barrels and case in 10 ga., under lift opened hammer action, color case hardened side plates, 1^st barrel set 32 in. Damascus steel, 2^nd barrel set 28 in. Damascus steel, DT, EXT, checkered PG walnut stock with skeleton steel buttplate and splinter forearm, LOP 14 1/4 in. over wood.

Good gun alert: an awesome 16 gauge J.P. Sauer hammergun…

April 24, 2013 by Gregg

16 gauge J.P. Sauer & Sohn hammer shotgun

Here’s a great looking hammergun that just hit the market. It’s a 100+ year old J.P. Sauer & Sohn, and it looks like it’s in super original condition. Check out all the color on the action and the great figure in the French walnut stock, too.

With its cheekpiece, sling swivels, and horn triggerguard, this this double is very Germanic. But thanks to the English-style, straight-gripped stock, it still looks sleek and elegant.

Here’s more info on it from the seller:

16 gauge J.P. Sauer & Sohn Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun: This is one of the finest original-condition Sauer & Sohn hammer guns that you will ever see. Features a bar-action, rebounding locks, pierced horn pistol grip, horn butt plate with Orion logo and Bernard Damascus barrels. Full-coverage acanthus leaf engraving in the Arts & Crafts style with locks signed “Louis Delp Darmstadt”. Table has all Sauer trademarks: Large crown, small crown, S&S with crossed rifles and crown, Orion figure and Gothic S. We date this gun to the late 1870s to late 1880s. Shows no actual use and only very minor signs of storage with a few slight dents to the stock and a slight scuffing on the right barrel. We are convinced that this gun has over 95% original, untouched finish. It has been held in the same family for three generations. A perfect candidate for any Concours d’Elegance in museum quality for a very favorable price! 29 1/2″ bbls, 2 1/2″ chambers, Chokes: Cylinder & Mod, 14 1/8″ LOP, 6lb. 6oz. overall. Price: $3,449.99