Henry Atkin | Dogs and Doubles

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

August 14, 2022 by Gregg

HENRY ATKIN BEST SIDELOCK SxS 12 GAUGE: SN# 1141 MADE 1902 30″ SOLID RIB BARRELS (.008 AND .014 CONSTRICTIONS) 2 1/2″ CHAMBERS MIN WALLS LT: ~.026 MIN WALLS RT: ~.023 RE-PROOFED 2021 1 1/8 OZ GUN PROOFED AT BORE SIZE 18.7 MM BORES LT: .733″ BORES RT: .733″ DOUBLE TRIGGERS EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH SOME LIGHT HANDLING 6LBS 11 OZ 2 1/8″ DAH 1 1/2″ DAC 14 5/8″ LOP OAK AND LEATHER CASE. Price: $14,950

Jeffery, London 12 Ga SXS Shotgun Box lock with Jeffrey case beautifully engraved, Damascus, English: Jeffrey Box lock 12 ga 2.5″ sxs boxlock damascus Beautiful scrollwork engraving with top coverage bores bright, tight on face( I never hear church bells) 30″ beautiful damascus patterned barrels weight 6.5 lb DAH 2 1/2 ” DAC 1 3/4″ LOP14 1/8″ chokes mod and cylinder, extractors. Price: $4,900

G&S Holloway/B. Jenkinson 20 ga. Boxlock. Side by Side: G&S Holloway/B. Jenkinson 20 gauge, boxlock ejector, 26″ barrels choked improved cylinder and modified. Original.2 3/4″ chambers. Game rib inscribed ” B. Jenkinson New York N.Y.” Double triggers, auto safe. Splinter forend. Straight stock of well figured French walnut measures 1- 1/2″ comb, 2- 3/4″ heel, 14″ LOP with a 1-3/16″ extension. Slight cast off. Nicely engraved action retains 95% case color and charcoal blue. Tight and on the face. Balance point just forward of the hinge pin. Jenkinson was the importer of G&S Holloway Birmingham which merged to become Holloway & Naughton making bespoke side by sides and over unders to this day. Weighs just 5lbs., 11 oz. Price: $4,750

BROWNING SUPERPOSED 20 GAUGE 1961 OU: Round knob, long tang. 26.5 inch barrels. IC and Mod. 3 inch chambers. 14 1/4 LOP Browning horn butt plate. Original finish. 96-97% blue. Wood shows some hunting use. Action is tight. Excellent bores. Price: $3,250

BELGIUM 20 BOXLOCK MADE for LE PAGE in PARIS in 1938- 70% ENGRAVING COVERAGE with SIDEPLATES- 27 1/2″ EXTRACT Bbls.- 70% CASE COLORS REMAIN- 6 Lb: #255, 20 Bore Pre-War Belgium Made for and Sold by Le Page in Paris, A SxS Boxlock Extractor Game Gun with Sideplates, Made in Belgium in 1938, 27 1/2″ Acier Cockerill steel extractor barrels with a rib extension and crossbolt at .628 .028 & .028″ (Full & Full), 2 1/2″ chambers, Correct bore size and Belgium proved at 16mm, 1,212 KG weight barrels, Side clip action body, Sideplates, Double triggers, Sling eyes, Splinter forend with a frontal Anson release, Straight hand stock at 14 1/8 x 1 1/2 x 2 1/4″ over a checkered butt with steel heel and toe caps, Neutral stock without any cast, 6 lbs., This piece has 70% coverage of nicely cut engraving on the frame and sidelpates, The barrels retain 80% original blue, It retains 70% of bright and vivid case colors, The wood is at 70% with typical handling marks but is still as solid as day one, The checkering is at 80%, The bores are bright and shiny and remain excellent. Here is a pretty tough pre-war Belgium 20 Bore game gun made in 1938 with quality lock-up. It is tight to the face and a very mechanically sound gun. It has “Le Page A Liege” in a Gold inlay on the rib plus “Acier Cockerill” inlaid in Gold. Faure Le Page was a French maker of some very elaborate high-end firearms that went to a lot of royal and imperial clientele. It began in 1716 by Louis Pigny and remained in the same family until 1913. They were famous for their pistols, and some are now shown in Royal Armories. Price: $2,200

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.

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

February 26, 2017 by Gregg

John Rigby .275 Side-by-Side Double Rifle No. 2 Magnum: 26″ chopperlump barrels with a file cut quarter rib, stippled front ramp. One standing, two folding express sights for 100, 300 and 400 yards. The quarter rib engraved in deep old English style “John Rigby & Co. 43 Sackville Street London”. Right barrel engraved “No. 2 Magnum Cartridge Pointed Bullet 140 grs.” Left barrel engraved “For Rigby. 275 Bore”. This cartridge is also known as the 7mm Rigby Magnum Flanged. Double triggers, automatic ejectors. Webley long bar screw grip action retains 100% original color. Action engraved about 75% in open acanthus scroll features John Rigby & Co. in a scrolling banner. Pistol grip stock of nicely figured French walnut measures 14-7/8″ over the checkered steel buttplate. Lever release forend, engraved grip cap. Weighs 9-1/4 lbs. This is one outstanding Rigby rifle, built in 1938, retaining virtually 98% of the blue, case color and original oil finish. Only the slightest handling marks. Bores are 100% perfect. Shoots 1″ at 65 yards with 175 grain bullet. John Taylor rated the .275 No. 2 Magnum as his favorite of all small bore cartridges. A fabulous rifle for the collector or shooter! Price: $34,500

L.C. Smith Crown Grade 16 Gauge SxS Double Barrel Shotgun – 1 OF 6 MADE ORIGINAL, TRADES OK!: #80330 What is rare…really? How about 1 of 68 total Crown Grades in 16ga., 1 of 6 with 32″ barrels, 1 of 2 so configured, 95% factory case color and blue, and all original parts? This is the epitome of a truly rare, highly desirable vintage American double. The Crown Grade engraving is some of the most handsome found on any American double gun. This gun, sn80330 made in 1925, is an amazing classic L.C. Smith gun. We did restore the butt stock as the finish was not on par with the rest of the gun. All parts are original to the gun. The screws are perfect, the bores are perfect, the engraving is crisp and clear, the triggers break like glass, the barrels are tight on the breech face and hinge pin like a new gun, the case color is bold and strong and everywhere, the wood to metal fit is superb…and those loooong 32″ barrels. Price: $22,950

WINCHESTER MODEL 21 16 GAUGE SKEET SIDE BY SIDE SHOTGUN: 26″ BARRELS, CHOKED WS1 & WS2, PISTOL GRIP STOCK WITH CHECKERED BUTT 14″ -1 9/16″-2 3/8″, 98% ALL ORIGINAL UNALTERED MODEL 21, CODY INFO SHEET, SHIPPED 1947. Price: $9,000

Henry Atkin “from Purdey” 12Ga sidelock ejector. 2 Jermyn street Haymarket London: #714 Henry Atkin “from Purdey” 12Ga sidelock ejector. 2 Jermyn street Haymarket London. 1889 gun apparently later rebarreled with fluid steel barrels and fitted with ejectors by the maker. Reproofed in London after chamber opening to 2 ¾” in 1976 . 30” tubes with a broad flat rib. Soldering is good and they have a nice clear ring. Blacking is 80% with sharp lettering. Mirror bores measuring .735” with .035 Full and .035 Full chokes. Walls are at .032 explaining the gun weight of 7 pound 10 Oz . It balances at the back hedge of the forend wood. Tight on the face and in proper mechanical order. The action and bar action locks have 90% covering of absolutely gorgeous scroll engraving and 50% case color. The stock measures 15” LOP over a 1” Silvers pad, drop is 1 ½” &2 ¼” , cast off ½” . It is solid, but shows 120 years of usage, with small dings and scratches, and worn checkering. Price: $5,990

Parker Reproduction DHE Grade 28 Gauge 26” Barrels Straight Grip Stock Splinter Forearm Beautiful: A gorgeous 28 gauge Parker reproduction with 99+% original case coloring and 100% original bluing. 26” barrels with 2 3/4″ chambers, Q1 (.002) and Q2 (.005) chokes. Double triggers, automatic safety and ejectors. Game scene engraving. Splinter forearm and English style straight grip stock. The wood retains 100% original finish and has a few very minor handling marks. Skeleton buttplate. 14 3/4” length of pull to front trigger. Comes in original leather trunk case with canvas wrap, keys and snap caps. Drop at comb: 1 1/4″. Drop at heel: 2 1/8″. Weight is 5.5 lbs. Mechanics are excellent. Price: $5297

Bargain bests: A nice pair of 12g sidelock Henry Atkin shotguns…

January 8, 2015January 8, 2015 by Gregg

ATKIN 12 SIDELOCK PAIR- NEW CHOPPER LUMP Bbls. in 1988 by the MAKER

I love vintage British shotguns – especially sidelocks. But even though I think they’re as good as guns get, they can have problems. One comes from their age. Because they’re old, people have had a lot of time to mess with them. That’s why so many Purdeys, Holland & Hollands, and other top-tier British shotguns around today are tired, shot out, and pretty much dead.

This pair of best-quality Henry Atkins was made around 1896, so they’re very vintage. What caught my eye is their new stocks and barrels, all made by Atkin, Grant & Lang in 1988. They make this pair of 119-old SxSs part vintage and part brand new.

Whoever had these guns rebarreled and restocked spent a lot of money. Today, a single set of new barrels by Atkin, Grant & Lang costs £8995. These guns have two new sets – so that’s £17990, or about $28,000. All new wood costs $10,000+ a gun and brings the costs to $48,000 in all.

When you see the asking price — just $24,000 — you understand why these Atkins such a steal.

ATKIN 12 SIDELOCK PAIR- NEW CHOPPER LUMP Bbls. in 1988 by the MAKER- NEW BUTTSTOCKS by the MAKER- ALL LONDON: #912 & 913, Henry Atkin (From Purdey’s) 6 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, A Very Nice Pair of Bar Action Sidelock Ejector 12 Bore Game Guns, Both guns with modern and new 28″ Chopper Lump barrels installed and proved in London in 1988 when they operated as Atkin Grant & Lang & Co Ltd at 6 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London (The address on these barrels), Both barrels remain as new since 1988: The #1 gun London proved at 3 1/4 tons with 2 3/4″ chambers, #1 is .730 .008 & .020″ (Imp.Cyl. & Mod.), 2 3/4″ chambers: The #2 gun London proved at 3 1/4 tons with 2 3/4″ chambers, #2 is .730 .008 & .016″ (Imp.Cyl. & Mod.), 2 3/4″ chambers, Wall thickness all the way around at .032″, Both with new buttstocks with excellent internal inletting (I presume done in 1988 when the new barrels were added), Very nice wood with excellent color and contrast, The pair with Ejectors, Double triggers, Splinter forend with an Anson release, Straight hand stock and both 14 3/4 x 1 9/16 x 2 1/8″ over checkered butts, Both guns 6 lbs. 11 oz., Stanton & Son locks, 94% coverage of period scroll engraving, The action body’s still retain 15-20%

original case colors, The barrel blue at 97% on both, The buttstocks and forends remain at 94%, The checkering at 98%, Number 1 & 2 in Gold in 3 places, The engraving is very sharp & crisp and has never been brushed, All 4 barrels are almost as new inside & out, The pair is cased in what appears to be the original brass cornered trunk & now with the trade label from AG &L when the new barrels and new buttstocks were installed in 1988. Here is a very nice pair of guns with new modern Chopper Lump barrels & wood that will go a lifetime. These are a super pair of guns that are in much better condition than many of the vintage pairs offered on the market today. Price: $24,000

The Purdey side-by-side, perfected…

September 1, 2012 by Gregg

Henry Atkin Spring Opener Model 1909 Double Barrel Shotgun

Henry Atkin, Sr, used to be one of the big boys of the London shotgun trade. Coming from a family of gunmakers, he learned his trade at Purdeys. In 1875 he went out on his own and by 1890 he was doing so well that he moved to Jermyn Street–a prestigious part of town . He passed away in 1906, 1 year before his firm (being run by his nephews, C.F and F.W Hinton) developed the side-by-side which some people claim bested Purdey and created the finest self-opening double barrel in the world.

Henry Atkin's shotguns, fom Best Guns by Michael McIntosh — Henry Atkin’s shotguns, fom Best Guns by Michael McIntosh

From the AG&L website:

“In 1907, Atkin produced the first of the guns which were to become the firm’s trademark ‘1909 model’; the spring opening side-lock ejector. The gun is essentially the Beesley/Purdey 1880 patent spring-cocking mechanism, with alterations to the ejector system and cocking pads to make the gun easier to close. Many aficionados believe this the very best of the self-opening side-locks; giving the advantages of the self-opener without the stiffness associated with the Beesley design upon closing.”

Among the 1909’s fans was Gough Thomas Garwood, the engineer/gun writer who penned many articles and books on shotguns and shooting. G.T. had Atkin’s make him a Spring Opener in 1947, spelling out that the company needed to “guarantee that in respect of material, workmanship, finish and shooting qualities, the gun will conform to your highest pre-war standards.” Apparently they succeeded (although I’ve read that after delivery the gun went back to the maker for some tweaks). Thomas went on to rave about the gun for the rest of his shooting & writing career.

Atkin made a number of Model 1909 “Spring Openers” and today they come on the market from time to time. Right now there’s this one at Fieldsport in MI. There’s also this one. It just popped up at Cabela’s and from what I can tell, it looks like a pretty good deal. It’s a later gun (1959 or so) so it has the typical so-so engraving of the period, but the overall quality of the shotgun looks excellent. And where else can you find a double barrel that’s better than a Purdey, and in excellent original shape, for just $13,500?

London auction alert, 4/18: Henry Atkin sidelock…

April 9, 2012 by Gregg

Here’s another lot at Gavin Gardiner’s April 18th Spring Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns that caught my eye.

Henry Atkin Opening sidelock ejector double barrel shotgun

Lot 179: Henry Atkin self-opening 12-bore sidelock ejector, N0. 3296

Catalog info: 29-inch chopper lump barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about 1/4 choke boring, the frame, locks and top lever with border engraving and retaining much original hardening colour, 14 3/4-inch well figured stock including 1/2-inch extension, 6lb. 9oz., nitro proof, leg-of-mutton case. Bores/walls: Lt: 735/25 & Rt: 738/22. Estimate: £4,000-6,000

Pros: Appears to be an Atkin Spring Opener (built on a Beesley action), lots of original color on the action, unusual engraving pattern.

Cons: Big bores, marginal walls in right barrel, stock extended and probably refinished, barrels probably reblacked.

Henry Atkin opened his own gunmaking business in 1877. In 1907 he introduced his self-opening double. From the Atking, Grant & Lang website: “The gun is essentially the Beesley/Purdey 1880 patent spring-cocking mechanism, with alterations to the ejector system and cocking pads to make the gun easier to close. Many aficionados believe this the very best of the self-opening side-locks; giving the advantages of the self-opener without the stiffness associated with the Beesley design upon closing.”