hussey | Dogs and Doubles

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

December 13, 2020 by Gregg

H.J. Hussey Imperial Sidelock Live Pigeon gun 12ga: Amazing condition Hj hussey imperial ejector live pigeon gun. Great gun for driven birds, Helice/live birds or sporting clays. A less known but top english best gun maker. Serial Number: 14147 Barrel Length: 30 in Chambers: 2 3/4″ Ejectors: yes Condition: excellent like new Stock Comb: 1 7/16″ Stock Heel: 2 1/8″ LOP: 14 3/4″ Weight: 7 lbs 9 oz Choke Left: mod Choke Right: full Case: yes Price: $17,000

Beautiful ultra lightweight 16ga Lefever EE Grade Side-by-Side Game Gun: Made in the 39k serial number range with straight stock, double triggers, splinter forearm and LAC Monogrammed buttplate. This particular gun with 26″ (Original length) Krupp Steel barrels, 2-3/4″ chambers. Gun is beautifully engraved with much finer than normal game scenes on both sides of the gun. The gun remains in pleasing condition with about 80% toned original barrel blue, 20-30% original case color, and excellent wood finish with stocks being sound. Bores are bright and shiny and mechanics are crisp. Ejectors are in time and the gun is nice and tight on the face. Here are the technicals on the gun: LOP- 13-3/4″ to LAC Monogrammed Buttplate, DAC- 1-5/8″, DAH- 2-1/4″, Right Barrel- .663 with .005 choke , Left barrel- .664 with .005 choke, Weight – 5lbs 14oz , MWT- .028(L) and .026(R). Price: $7495

1938 Vintage Lefever Arms Ithaca “A” Grade .410 Double w/ 26″ Barrels, Ejectors, & Single Trigger ** RARE w/ Factory Letter! **: This is a very special all-original Lefever / Ithaca “A” Grade .410 Ga. double-barrel shotgun made in 1938, complete with an original November of 1975-dated factory letter. One of only 150 made in .410 gauge, this extremely-cool and beautiful little double features a case-colored receiver, a factory gloss blue finish on the barrels, 26″ inch fluid-steel barrels choked “Modified” and “Full” with 3″ inch chambers, a checkered solid rib with a red front bead sight and an ivory mid-bead, automatic ejectors (special order), a single trigger (special order), a tang-mounted automatic safety, and a point-pattern checkered American Walnut stock set with a beavertail forearm and pistol-grip buttstock. The beavertail forearm has a push-button release and an ebony diamond inlay at the front edge, and the buttstock features a factory black pistol grip cap and a factory black serrated buttplate. While the original Lefever Arms of Syracuse, New York Discontinued operations in 1916, it was bought by the Ithaca Gun Company sometime shortly after. In 1921 Ithaca decided to use the Lefever name to brand a high-quality but lower-cost field gun they were manufacturing, calling it the Lefever Nitro Special. This allowed Ithaca to maintain the prestige of the Ithaca name but still produce a lower-cost shotgun. The Lefever Nitro Special was a big success for the company and by 1934 Ithaca decided to offer an “upgraded” version of the gun, calling it the Lefever “A” Grade. The “A” Grade guns would feature a color case-hardened frame with some minimal engraving, an improved checkered solid rib design, and a better grade of wood. Automatic ejectors and a single trigger could be special ordered on this model for an additional cost. The production run of the Lefever “A” Grade ran from 1934 until 1940, with a total of only 2,350 guns produced. Out of the 2,350 made, 1,000 were 12 Gauge, 600 were 16 Gauge, 600 were 20 Gauge, and only 150 were .410 Gauge. This particular example is serial number 301038 and is one of the 150 .410 Gauge guns made. It was shipped in 1938 to Herbert Hearn Hardware company in Cambridge, Maryland and is listed in their records as it sits now, as a 26″ inch gun choked “Modified” and “Full” with ejectors and a single trigger. A quick internet search turns up some old pictures of the Hearn building when it was still in business as well as some pictures of what remains of the building today (which was being restored as of 2017). As you can see from the pictures, this very handsome little Lefever has been used but not abused. All of the finish that remains on this shotgun is original, and it has not been altered or “improved” in any way. It is a very classy double with lots of original gloss blue showing on the barrels and patches of case colors still showing on the receiver, particularly in the protected areas. The factory stampings of “Lefever Arms, Branch Ithaca Gun Co. Inc. Ithaca, N.Y.” and “LEFEVER A GRADE” on the top of the chambers is still clear and legible. All of the serial numbered parts are matching and original, including the forearm metal, receiver, and barrels. The stock set is stamped with the serial number as well, with the beavertail forearm stamped on the underside between the barrel channels and the buttstock stamped under the tang of the triggerguard. The bores in the 26″ inch barrels are perfect and mirror-bright. They are free from any pitting, dents, bulges, or damage of any kind. The stock set on this Lefever is in very good condition overall, free from any cracks, chips, repairs, or major damage. All of the factory stock hardware is intact and nothing has been modified. The checkered panels on the wrist and forearm are still clean and show only light wear. This “A” Grade Lefever has a perfect, tight lock-up, and is perfectly “on face” with no wiggle or slop. The single trigger, automatic ejectors, and automatic safety all work perfectly. We have no doubt that this Lefever will function just as well today as the day it left the factory, and should do so for many more decades. If you have been looking for a classy and collectible American-made vintage .410 double, this is your chance to get one of the rarest we have had in decades. This Lefever Ithaca should not only be an excellent field gun that you can enjoy shooting, but an excellent long-term investment as well. There can’t be too many of the original 150 .410’s made that are still floating around out there in original condition, much less with special order automatic ejectors and a single trigger like this one! Price: $6,500

Johann Springer Boxlock Ejector SxS 12ga: Chambers: 2 3/4″ Metal Condition: Some Bluing Loss and Lite User Marks Wood Condition: Some User Marks Barrels: 30 Triggers: Double Triggers Stock Dimensions: 14 3/4″ LOP Fore End: Checkered Splinder Butt Pad: Butt Plate Weight: 7 lb. 10 oz. Sights: Front Bead Chokes: Full & Full. Price: $2,199.97

Savage ~ Fox Sterlingworth ~ 12 GA. ~ SxS ~ (“Skeet & Upland Game” model?): This Savage Model Fox Sterlingworth is a 12 Ga. Side x Side shotgun. It has 26 inch barrels with extractors and a solid rib. With a 2 3/4 inch chambers it has fixed CYL and MOD chokes. A brass bead front sight. The butt stock is a checkered grip walnut straight grip. The forearm is a checkered grip walnut. It has double triggers. The receiver is case colored. S/N 160260. Chambers: 2 3/4 inch chambers with extractors. Metal Condition: Fair. Minor wear and handling / use marks. Wood Condition: Fair with many handling marks., Bore Condition: Bright and shiny. Barrels: 26 inch barrels with a solid rib. Triggers: Double. Stock Dimensions: LOP 14 5/8 inches. Fore End: Checkered grip walnut. Butt Pad: Ranger red rubber recoil pad. Weight: 7 lb. 2 oz. Sights: Brass bead front. Chokes: Fixed Cyl & Mod. Price: $999.99

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

July 12, 2020 by Gregg

OGDEN SMITH & HUSSEY IMPERIAL PIGEON SXS 12 GAUGE: 30″ WIDE PIGEON RIB 036 AND 038 CONSTRIXTION 2 3/4 NITRO, DOUBLE TRIGGER, EJECTORS, SPLINTER FOREARM, ENGLISH GRIP, EXCELLENT CONDITION, 7LBS 15 OZ, 2 1/8″ DAH, 1 1/2″ DAC, 14 1/4″ LOP. Price: $12,500

Francotte 20E 20 Gauge SxS - 1950, 99% CASE COLOR, MINTY! — Francotte 20E 20 Gauge SxS – 1950, 99% CASE COLOR, MINTY!

Francotte 20E 20 Gauge – 1950, 99% CASE COLOR, MINTY!, vintage firearms inc: General Specs: Francotte, Year 1950, 20 gauge, 5lbs 12oz, IC/M, LOP 14 7/16″, DAH 2 3/8″, DAC 1 1/2″, Serial Number: 89933. Auguste Francotte is world famous as a high-quality firearms maker from the gun making center of Leige, Belgium dating back as far as 1805. Still making fine shotguns with price tags starting at $18,000, Francotte is a brand recognized and used by heads of state, business tycoons, and in some cases, the fortunate “Average Joe”. Search long and hard, you will not find another Auguste Francotte like this one. First, this is the Model 20E, one of the higher grades A. Francotte offered in the boxlock ejector format and it has the sideplated action allowing for beautiful scroll engraving. Second, the gun is 70 years old and RETAINS 99% OF THE FACTORY FINISH, INCLUDING ALL OF THE BOLD, VIVID, ORIGINAL BONE AND CHARCOAL CASE COLORS. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A HIGHER CONDITION FRANCOTTE 20E! Francotte guns are nicely built side by sides with a solid reputation for graceful looks and handling characteristics as well as rock solid dependability. This fine Francotte, sn89933 built in 1950, has seen little use. Beautifully hand engraved with FINE SCROLL ENGRAVING AND FOLIATE SCROLL BREECH BALLS, this is a very high-end side by side. The wood is nicely figured European walnut showing lots of fiddleback figure and rich dark streaking, with most of the factory finish still there and the factory 28LPI hand-cut checkering in excellent condition. There are field use marks in the buttstock wood, but all are superficial and there are no cracks or gouges in the wood. We can restore the wood for you if you wish in a short period of time for an added cost; just ask about this in-house service we provide. The gun weighs in at an ultra-light 5 3/4lbs. with its 26” Siemens Martin fluid steel barrels that are choked IC/M and have mirror perfect bores. It is a very dynamic shotgun with the balance point on the hinge pin. With the Prince of Wales style stock, it is lightning fast to the shoulder and puts a smile on your face when you handle her. The gun is mechanically excellent with strong, well timed ejectors, barrels tight on the hinge pin and breech face like a new gun, perfect screws, crisp triggers…all in perfect working order and in need of no work at all. THERE ARE 5 LOCKING POINTS ON THIS FRANCOTTE; A HIDDEN GREENER CROSS BOLT AT THE TOP RIB, DOUBLE UNDERLUG LOCKING BOLTS, SIDECLIPS, AND A THROUGH RECEIVER BARREL LUG, making sure the barrels are locked to the breech face laterally and vertically. It just doesn’t get any better than that! What a great gun for your upland pursuits, especially for the grouse and woodcock coverts and hunting over fine dogs. She will represent well at the vintage sporting events too. Francotte built some of the highest quality guns ever made and they are surprisingly affordable as this gun demonstrates. Thanks for looking! Price: $8,950

Parker Repro DHE – 20ga – 26” – IC/M – DT – Straight Grip – Skeleton Buttplate – High Grade Wood – Leather Maker’s Case: 14 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ – some case color wear – some handling marks – would make a great grouse, woodcock and quail gun – it’s TIGHT like new otherwise. Excellent Field Configuration worthy of an upland hunter. Price: $5,500

BERETTA - SO4 - 30" M / F - Quality Sidelock Over Under - Completely Refurbished ! — BERETTA – SO4 – 30″ M / F – Quality Sidelock Over Under – Completely Refurbished !

Beretta – SO4 – 30″ m / f – quality sidelock OU – completely refurbished: 12ga, 2-3/4″, 29-1/2″ M / F (.724 – .030 / .039) – Hand Filed Vent Rib, Ejectors, Single Non-Selective Trigger, LOP 14-7/8″, Drop 1-1/2 to 1-3/4″, Neutral Cast, Weight 8 lbs 4 oz. Completely refurbished gun, and used little – if any – since. Bores are perfect, and at factory original specs. This gun was reproofed in 1993, and possibly refurbished at that time. The gun is ready to shoot, but you can detect slight movement in the barrels. Price: $3950

A. H. Fox/Savage Sterlingworth Deluxe Brush Model SxS Double Barrel American Shotgun

A. H. Fox/Savage Sterlingworth Deluxe Brush Model: My personal benchmark gun. Decided after it being in the safe for several years that someone else needs to own it. Will start it out here for a week and see what happens. Specs are 26″ barrels choked .013 and .020 and bores of .729 per my Skeets, and 2 3/4″ chambers and ejectors. LOP to end of wood 13 1/4″. To end of Antiflinch Pad 14 1/4″. DAC 1 5/8″, DAH 2 7/8″. Weight and this is downright lovely is 6 lb 9 oz. A 12 bore made for bird hunting as they say. Serial Number. is 122114. Call this my benchmark gun because the case colors are just about mint. Slight fading on the underside, but they are all there. Blueing is 100 percent except for some small spot right around the top rib where Dan Rossiter from Custom Stocks and Steel, believed there may have been a bit oil or whatever missed when the factory did the barrels. Gun has been apart one time and that was by Dan when he checked the internals. He added the Antiflinch pad (forgot what was on it). Bought this at a small in Va from a collector. Gun’s bores were covered in cosmoline and per the house the gun had not been fired for over 50 years (who knows). Wasn’t fired much if at all. Some flaking on the finish in spots. I’ve done nothing to the gun and its time to move it on. Pictures when the sun comes up. Serial Number: 122114, Barrel Length: 26″, Chambers: 2 3/4″, Ejectors: Yes, Condition: Excellent, Metal Condition: Excellent, Wood Condition: Small bit of flaking, Bore Condition: Mint, Triggers: 2, Gauge: 12, Butt Pad: Jostam Anti flinch, Weight: 6 lb 9 oz, Choke Left: Mod, Choke Right: IC. PS. This is a Savage marked gun with all the best Philly Fox features. Also had twin Ivory beads (front and rear). Price: $1,950

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

March 10, 2019 by Gregg

Boss & Co. 20 bore SLE ~ Simply outstanding! This is a chance to own the very best of the best real estate in the double gun world! Super investment: Hammerless Sidelocks – Boss 20g. Sidelock in exceptional condition and investment grade original. Featuring 28″ Whitworth steel barrels, 75% case color, 98% blue, in its maker’s case. This petite flower weighs in at 5 lbs. 4.5 oz., lighter than many 28 gauges. Stocked to the fences, assisted opening, iconic and crisp Boss single trigger, chopper-lump barrels, and stunning wood with super dimensions, this Boss has all and more of what we would expect from a Boss. What I expect most of all from Boss is what I think is their true trademark — Balance. Let me tell you, get this gun between your hands and you will not want to let it go as you would feel your letting go of a part of yourself. Twenty-gauge Boss doubles are like prime real estate. They seldom come up for sale, are priced at the top of the market, and there are never any regrets in owning as they are always worth what you paid and more. Price: $57,000

H.J. Hussey Shotguns – IMPERIAL GRADE PAIR, CASED, BOSS SINGLE TRIGGERS, vintage firearms inc: General Specs: H.J. Hussey, Year 1902-1904, 12 Gauge, 6lbs 9oz; 6lbs 8oz, SK/LM , LOP 15 1/4″, DAH 2 1/8″, DAC 1 1/2″ Serial Numbers: 14170, 14171. “LONDON BEST”…we see this label referring to fabulous side by side shotguns from famed British gunmakers with their premises located in the London gunmaker’s district. Well-known historic names including Purdey, Holland & Holland, and Boss immediately come to mind. However, if you discuss the topic of “LONDON BEST GUNS” with those entrenched in the British gun world, you will also hear the name H.J. Hussey, a name less known but whose guns were superb and comparable to the very finest London had to offer. You can refer to Nigel Brown’s volumes “British Gunmakers” and/or Google the Hussey name and you will see that Henry Joseph Hussey was long involved in the upper echelons of the British gun trade. He was Assistant Manager of Holland & Holland until 1894. He became involved with the famed firm of Joseph Lang gunmakers, and the firm became known as Lang & Hussey for several years. Apparently, Henry Hussey was a bit of a rogue, having been accused of shady dealings, and he resigned from that company after a short stint. After that, his firm became known as H.J. Hussey, LTD until his death in 1918. The fine matching pair of 12 bore Hussey guns offered here, serial numbers 14170 and 14171 ca. 1902, are LONDON BEST GUNS in every way, with 7-pin sidelock actions featuring beaded fences, finely filed bolsters on the bottom of action, gold lined cocking indicators, superb acanthus scroll with elaborate border work and adorned with the finest floral bouquets you will ever see. The top tang is gracefully shaped and simply flows into the action. VERY RARELY SEEN ARE THE BOSS SINGLE TRIGGERS IN THIS FINE PAIR OF HUSSEY GUNS, COMPLETE WITH THEIR REGISTERED NUMBERS. This is a very costly extra feature on a London gun, and the Boss single trigger is the most reliable ever developed. Stocked to the fences with well-figured French walnut, including drop points and superb checkering with mullered borders, this pair is a stunning set of early London guns cased in a period oak and leather case complete with the maker’s label. The original 28” barrels are in proof with 2 ½” chambers, excellent bores, tight ribs, and fit like new on hinge pin and standing breech. The guns weigh within 1/2oz. of each other at 6lbs. 8oz. and have identical stock dimensions. With chokes that would measure SK/LM in today’s world, the pair would make the ultimate driven grouse guns as well as the ultimate walk up guns for upland birds over fine dogs. And of course, you can make quite an impression at the vintage sporting clays shoots as well. Who shows up with a pair of Husseys! These guns are being offered at a very attractive price, well under what you might pay for a pair from the more well-known London makers. In fact, this pair of Husseys may be the best value on the finest pair of London guns on the market today and a great investment opportunity for those that love fine guns and the shooting sports. Price: $21,900

Webley & Scott 450 BPE Side-by-Side Double Rifle

Webley & Scott 450 BPE SxS Double Rifle: This is a fantastic condition Webley & Scott 450 3 ¼” black powder express double rifle with a 26” barrel. It has a nice weight of 8 pounds 14 ounces and the LOP is 14 3/8”. The DAH is 17/8” and the DAC is 1 ¼”. It retains 95% of the beautiful case colors and 90% barrel finish. The locks, tang, hammers and under lever are nicely engraved. The receiver top is nicely stippled and the barrel rib is matted. Even the butt plate is engraved. The mechanical function on this underlever hammer gun is excellent with perfect bores. The checkering is sharp. The beautiful wood has one small ding on the forearm and two small impressions on the buttstock. The action on this rifle is tight as new. Price: $7,495

Merkel ~ Mod 201E ~ 20 Ga: Barrels: 26″, Chambers: 2 3/4″, Chokes: .010″ and .015″, Metal Condition: No Blemishes, Wood Condition: Very Few Very Lite User Marks, Bore Condition: Bright and Shiny, Triggers: Double Triggers, Stock: Checkered English Grip, Stock Dimensions: 14 3/4″ LOP, Fore End: Checkered, Butt Pad: Leather Recoil Pad, Weight: 6 Lbs 4 OZ. Price: $3,199.99

PARKER GH – 12 GAUGE – COLLECTOR CONDITION WITH ORIGINAL CASE COLOR AND DAMASCUS – ANTIQUE: Here is a high condition Antique Parker GH made in 1892. Excellent original condition with good amounts of case color and lovely high contrast Damascus Pattern on the 30″ barrels. Sharp engraving with great detail. Mechanically outstanding condition – tight on face, barrels ring true, no cracks to the wood. All matching serial numbers of course. Auto safety. Screw slots as original. Fully functional. Mirror bores measuring .732 with full and full chokes. Chambers are 2 3/4″. Period recoil pad has turned hard, needs replacing. As an antique, this gun can be shipped directly as local law allows. This gun is in the Parker Serial Number Book. Shipping is $40. Stock dimensions follow. LOP – 13 7/8″, Drop at Comb – 1 3/4″, Drop at Heel – 2 5/8″. Price: $1,750

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

August 19, 2018September 23, 2018 by Gregg

BOSS & Co.12 BORE PAIR- 3 SETS of Bbls. by PURDEY ABOUT 1970- ORIG. BOSS Bbls. LOST in SHIPMENT- ALL Bbls. ALMOST as NEW- ALL 28" & 2 3/4": — BOSS & Co.12 BORE PAIR- 3 SETS of Bbls. by PURDEY ABOUT 1970- ORIG. BOSS Bbls. LOST in SHIPMENT- ALL Bbls. ALMOST as NEW- ALL 28″ & 2 3/4″:

BOSS & Co. SIDELOCK SXS 12 BORE PAIR- 3 SETS of Bbls. by PURDEY ABOUT 1970- ORIG. BOSS Bbls. LOST in SHIPMENT- ALL Bbls. ALMOST as NEW- ALL 28″ & 2 3/4″: #6225 & 6226, Boss & Co. 13 Dover Street. Piccadilly. London. W.: A True 12 Bore Pair of Boss Bar Action Ejector Sidelock Game Guns Finished in 1913, Both guns with very attractive Sumner engraving. Both Guns 28″ Chopper Lump Barrels with the #2 gun with a spare 28″ chopper lump barrel; – The #1 Gun at .733 .008 & .009″ (Imp.Cyl. & Imp.Cyl.), 2 3/4″, Wall thickness on the right & left barrel at .030″; – The #2 gun is .733 .008 & .008″ (Imp.Cyl. & Imp.Cyl), 2 3/4″, Wall thickness on the right barrel at .031″ & .033″ on the left; – The #2 gun spare barrel at .730 .015 & .038″ (Open Mod. & Full), 2 3/4″, Wall thickness on the right & left barrel at .034″; – All 3 barrels are modern Barrels by Purdey and each is marked accordingly “Barrels Made By. J. Purdey” with their address, All 3 are London proved at 3 1/4 Tons with 2 3/4″ chambers; All 3 have Purdey barrel numbers, the pair with barrel #’s 70927 to 70930 which should be about 1969 & the spare barrels with #’s 71703 & 71704 which should be about 1971, Double triggers, Rolled trigger guard edge for the right hand, Numbered 1 & 2 in Gold, Splinter forend with an Anson frontal release, Straight hand stocks and both at 15 1/16 x 1 7/16 x 2 1/8″ over a checkered butt with a 1 3/4″ extension that is expertly done, Remove the extension & add a 1″ pad & it will come out at 14 3/8″, 1/2″ Cast-Off for the right hand, They point like a dream, Both at 6 Lbs. 14 Oz.. Near exhibition wood on both with great black/brown contrast, Boss Classic Engraving by John James Sumner with his characteristic 6 bouquets of roses; – The #1 gun has Purdey barrel blue at 96%, The stock & forend re-oiled & is at 98%, The checkering at 99%, The original case colors remain at 40%; – The #2 gun has Purdey barrel blue at 97%, The stock & forend re-oiled & is at 97%, The checkering at 99%, Traces of case colors remain; – The Purdey barrel blue on the spare barrel for gun #2 is at 99%. All 3 sets of barrels remain in excellent plus condition inside & out with original dimensions and internally the bores are as new. All 3 barrels ring with a pronounced chime and remain smack on the face. The pair is cased in a fold-open leather cornered motor case with a trade label and no provision for the spare barrel. The original Boss barrels were lost in a shipment from the U. S. for a shoot in Scotland, hence the new barrels by Purdey. This is a very nice pair of Classic Boss Game Guns with 3 sets of barrels that remain as new. Price: $39,000

H.J. Hussey IMPERIAL GRADE PAIR, SIDELOCK EJECTOR SxS SHOTGUNS CASED BOSS SINGLE TRIGGERS: Year 1902-1904, 12 Gauge, 6lbs 9oz; 6lbs 8oz, SK/LM , LOP 15 1/4″, DAH 2 1/8″, DAC 1 1/2″. The fine matching pair of 12 bore Hussey guns offered here, serial numbers 14170 and 14171 ca. 1902, are LONDON BEST GUNS in every way, with 7-pin sidelock actions featuring beaded fences, finely filed bolsters on the bottom of action, gold lined cocking indicators, superb acanthus scroll with elaborate border work and adorned with the finest floral bouquets you will ever see. The top tang is gracefully shaped and simply flows into the action. VERY RARELY SEEN ARE THE BOSS SINGLE TRIGGERS IN THIS FINE PAIR OF HUSSEY GUNS, COMPLETE WITH THEIR REGISTERED NUMBERS. Price: $23,000

Beretta 450 sidelock side-by-side 12 gauge Live Pigeon gun: An interesting gun that was made in 1954 and it is as tight and fresh today as it was then, some 64 years ago! Barrel markings tell that the monobloc barrels were made with the best Chrome Molybdenum Compressed Steel, Superior Type and that this gun was imported by the “Wilshire Gun House” in Los Angeles, CA. Sometime in its life this gun was “freshened” professionally and the 28″ barrels were sent to England to be fitted with five Teague Precision thin wall chokes, that as you can see by the muzzle photo, are almost invisible. The barrels have a raised solid rib which tapers from 11.3mm (7/16″) at the breech down to 5.4mm (7/32″) at the muzzle; there is a single small brass front bead. This 450 was restocked in Italy (probably by Beretta) with a spectacular and hefty piece of walnut configured with a right hand palm swell and the dimensions are: 14 ¾” LOP over a ½” Beretta pad, 1 5/16” DAC & 1 ¾” DAH with ¼” cast for a right hand shooter. A nicely scaled beavertail forearm with an Anson release allows the gun to be guided easily with the left hand. The sidelock action has cocking indicators, concealed third fastener, single non-selectable trigger, non-automatic top tang safety and it is completely covered in hand engraved a floral and scroll pattern then chrome finished for durability. All original metal and wood finishes and all are 99%+. Weighs 7 lbs. 14 oz. It comes in a modern Beretta DT10 luggage case with the Teague choke tubes & wrench and with 4 serial numbered turn screws (screwdrivers) fitted to this gun. Price: $12,350

BOSS & Co. – Best Boxlock Ejector, SxS, 12ga, 30”: Mod./Full, straight grip stock with ¾” wood extension to a checkered butt and gold shield, double triggers, Schabel forend with horn insert, game rib, automatic ejectors, lovely full coverage scroll with BOSS & CO. engraved in ribbons on both sides of the receiver, rib marked with Boss & Co. St. James Street address, the wood finish remains in very good condition, traces of case coloring on receiver, most of the bluing remaining on the bottom plate of action and trigger guard, 95% barrel bluing, very clean and tight gun throughout, reproofed with 2 ¾” chambers, available for immediate delivery. 14 7/8” x 1 ½” x 2”
6lbs, 10 oz. Price: $6,995.

Parker Reproduction by Winchester DHE GRADE, 28ga

Parker Reproduction by Winchester DHE GRADE SxS, 28ga: 26in. barrels, IC/Mod, boxlock action, ejectors, double triggers, beavertail forend, English stock, skeleton steel buttplate, engraving in original DH style, case hardened frame, rust blue barrels. Supplied with leather trunk case, canvas and leather cover, and snap caps. 14 1/4” LOP. 5 lbs., 8 oz. Price: $4,900

Cross pollination in British gunmaking: A 12g “by” Lang & Hussey…

July 28, 2018 by Gregg

LANG & HUSSEY UNDER-LEVER SIDELOCK NON-EJECTOR 12 GAUGE WOODWARD-STYLE SHOTGUN

James Woodward was one of the giants of British gunmaking. In 1872, he founded his firm–James Woodward & Sons. In 1948, after having built some of the finest doubles to ever come out of the UK, the company was sold to James Purdey & Sons. In the 76 years in between, Woodward built around 5000 guns. Even though the gun you see here is engraved Lang & Hussey, I’m almost certain it was made partly-or totally-by Mr. Woodward’s firm.

Why? Because it’s just too similar to one of Woodward’s most famous guns: the “Automatic”. It even has Woodward’s signature arcaded fences and T safety. And like all top-quality, hammerless Woodwards, it was made with Whitworth fluid-steel barrels.

The Woodward “Automatic” action was based on a design patented by J. Woodward and T. Southgate in 1876, and it cocks “automatically” when you open the gun by pushing forward on the lever wrapping over the triggerguard.

BTW: To learn more about James Woodward & Sons, check out James Woodward and the Vertical Double

LANG & HUSSEY UNDER-LEVER SIDELOCK NON-EJECTOR: Here is rare Lang & Hussey 12 gauge under-lever sidelock non-ejector, built in 1898. The receiver features beautiful border and acanthus scroll engraving, arcaded fences, side-clips, and gold-inlaid cocking indicators. The number “4” is inlaid in gold on rib and tang. The gun locks up tight, and has a doll’s head extension. The 30″ barrels have 2 1/2″ chambers and shiny bores, choked .040/.040. The rib is engraved: LANG & HUSSEY Ld. 102 NEW BOND STREET. LONDON. MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID PRESSED STEEL. The stock is very pretty French walnut, and has various dings and indentations, but is solid with no cracks. It measures 1 1/2″ x 2 1/8″ x 14 1/4″ over a vintage solid red pad. There is slight cast off. The gun weighs 7 lbs 3 oz. Price: $2,600

Fabulous gun alert: A 12g SxS by Ogden Smiths & Hussey…

January 2, 2016 by Gregg

Ogden Smiths & Hussey Imperial Ejector SxS Shotgun

In a the world of fine shotguns, “Best-gun” seems like a phrase with a pretty obvious definition: The very best shotgun a manufacturer can make. But because these were hand made by different people at different time periods, each one is a bit different. That means some bests are best-er than others.

Ogden Smiths used to be a fishing tackle company in London. In 1923, Walter Sydney Ogden Smith of the Ogden Smith family joined with the gunmaker Henry H. Hussey (son of gunmaker H.J. Hussey’s) to sell guns under the name Ogden Smiths & Hussey, Limited. This partnership lasted until 1933 and produced shotguns and rifles of different styles and qualities, including single-barrel trap guns like this and the best-quality, SxS, Imperial you see here.

The Hussey family Imperial grade sidelock shotguns since old man H.J. started his own operations after being fired from Lang & Hussey in 1898 (in fact, Lang & Hussey’s finest gun was also called the Imperial). Today, these Imperials pop up on the market on a regular basis. They’re nice guns, but none of the I’ve seen have been anywhere near as nice as this one. In fact, it’s this is the best Hussey Imperial I’ve ever seen.

On this one, the engraving on the fences and action, as well as the overall finish on all the metalwork, is a step above any of the others I’ve come across. With it’s high stock, long chambers, tight chokes, heavy proof, and wide, file-cut rib, it sure looks like it was made for live-pigeon shooting. Sure, the buttstock is a bit plain. But it is original and I bet the maker used the blank because of the strength of its straight grain. I’d be looking at the rest of the gun and never notice it.

Ogden Smiths & Hussey Imperial Ejector SxS Shotgun: A fabulous quality and condition pre-war 12 bore double trigger gun retaining nearly all of its original color 90% plus, and a London black. Gold line cocking indicators, exquisite very fine rose and scroll engraving with carved fences. The 30 inch Whitworth steel barrels with a pigeon rib, have the original 3 inch chambers with 1 3/8 ounce proof, choked full and full. The stock measures 14 1/2 to a checkered horn plate with a drop of 1 1/2 by 2 1/8. The gun weight is 7lbs. 7 oz. Articulated front trigger and the guard has 80% of it’s charcoal blue. Locking screws on the first guard and ejector stop screw. Blank gold oval. This gun is as good as it gets from a best maker. Price: $18,500

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May 18, 2015 by Gregg

H. J. HUSSEY IMPERIAL EJECTOR SIDELOCK SXS 12 GAUGE SxS DOUBLE BARREL SHOTGUN

H. J. HUSSEY IMPERIAL EJECTOR SIDELOCK SXS 12 GAUGE: 30″ 020 AND 035 2 3/4 DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP CASED WITH MAKERS LABEL EXCELLENT CONDITION 7LBS 9 OZ X 2 1/8″ X 1 7/16″ X 14 3/4″. Price: $13,900

CHURCHILL XXV (25) SIDELOCK SXS 12 GAUGE: IC AND FULL 2 3/4 DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTOR SPLINTER FOREARM PISTOL GRIP EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION 6LBS 12 OZ X 2 1/4″ X 1 9/16″ X 14″.Price: $8,500

E. J. CHURCHILL XXV (25) SIDELOCK SXS 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN

ETHAN ALLEN HINGED BREECH 12 GAUGE SxS SHOTGUN

ETHAN ALLEN HINGED BREECH 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN: 12 gauge, 27 1/2″ twist steel barrels, hinged breech with external hammers and trigger actuated extractor. Engraved casehardened action and hammers. Checkered forend and straight grip buttstock ending with a steel buttplate. LOP: 14 1/4″ Retaining all of the barrel brown and twist pattern. Excellent case colors remaining on the action and the breech interior looks like new. Super wood and checkering. This is the nicest conditioned example I have seen. Price: $4,450

CSMC RBL LAUNCH EDITION 20GA: 28″ barrels w/ 5 screw chokes. Self opener. 15 1/4″ LOP leather covered pad. Double triggers, automatic ejectors. 98-99% in original luggage case with accessories. Price: $3,050

CSMC RBL LAUNCH EDITION 20GA SxS SHOTGUN

BERETTA SxS SILVER HAWK SHOTGUN IN 20 GAUGE - EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION WITH 28" BARRELS — BERETTA SxS SILVER HAWK SHOTGUN IN 20 GAUGE – EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION WITH 28″ BARRELS

BERETTA SILVER HAWK IN 20 GAUGE – EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION WITH 28″ BARRELS: Here is a Beretta Silver Hawk in 20 gauge with 28″ barrels. Excellent original condition. Auto saftey. Extractors. Mirror bores. Tight on face with top lever well right of center showing minimal use. Original iridescent Beretta buttplate in red/black – very cool. Chambers are 2 3/4″. Bores are .622 with 30/1000 choke (Imp Mod) in the right barrel and 40/1000 (Full) in the Left barrel. Weight of gun is 6 LBS 4 3/4 OZ. Stock dimensions: LOP – 14 1/4″ Drop at Comb – 1 1/2″ Drop at Heel – 2 3/8″. Price: $1,600