When most Americans think about hunting in the UK, fancy estates, titles, and big bills come to mind. But not everyon in the UK was an aristocrat or rich. Everyday sports-people also found time for the field. When they did, they carried doubles like the one you see here.
This SxS is by John Harper, a gunmaker who used to be located in Birmingham, England. Harper opened a shop in 1902 and his business was in operation until 1975. From what I can tell, most of his trade was in good quality boxlocks, sort of the meat-and-potatoes of the English shotgun business. Doubles like these were great deals when they were made 80 years ago. Today, the same is still true.
Even though this shotgun has been on the market before, it’s still a great deal at its current price ($3,295).
JOHN HARPER 12 GA BLE: Serial # 14XX, circa about 1920’s. John Harper specialized in making guns for others such as James Woodward and W.R. Pape. An exceptional well kept light wgt (6.7 Lbs.), BL Ejector with 28″ barrels retaining 98% blue, mint, mirror bores choked IC / F, nitro proofed 1 1/8 oz, with 2 3/4″ chambers and rib extension with Greener x-bolt. The nicely scroll engraved receiver retains about 80% original case colors with the floor plate and TG 90% blue. The well figured, dark streaked SG / Spl wood with excellent crisp checkering shows only the most minor handling marks and retains 97% finish. Serrated original BP, vacant silver oval and push button FE release. An elegant collector/shooter. Price $3,295
