Percussion | Dogs and Doubles

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

April 17, 2022 by Gregg

Stunning Cased Luciano Bosis 20ga Michaelangelo – Lutteroti made vacuum arc barrels & Gold trim and case hardened gun that is visually stunning: Made in 2003, this fantastic little 20ga Luciano Bosis is striking and visually appealing as well as being one of the best guns ever made. This gun, made with 26-3/4″ barrels, made by Lutteroti. The checkered forend with gold accent lined opener. Case hardened and gold lined action with makers name on sides in gold. Beautiful Circassian Walnut buttstock with drop points behind locks is checkered in point pattern through the wrist and terminates with a stunning skip line checkered butt. Housed in a dark brown leather case with stitched leather corners by Nizzoli, is lined in dark green cloth and has large Bosis paper label in lid. Case contains 3-pc walnut and brass cleaning rod with mop and brush, pair of Bosis marked snap caps, round oil bottle, and a small plastic box containing spare mainsprings, spare firing pins, and assembly tool. Overall, the gun remains near mint all original condition. It appears test fired but retains virtually all original finish to both wood and metal surfaces. Bores are brilliant and shiny. Mechanics are crisp. Case is excellent with only minor rubs. Accessories are all near mint. Price: $44,950

Ogden Smiths & Hussey Sidelock Ejector Best-quality 20 Bore Side by Side: An excellent condition early 1920’s Best London maker located at 62 St. James Street. Retains much of its original case color. The dimensions are, drop of 1 1/2 X 2 1/8 with a 14 1/2 inch length of pull to a checkered ebony plate 7/8 inches. Chopper lump barrels, 28 inches with 2 3/4 chambers, 1 oz. proof, choked .005 and .015. bores at .620 and 619, walls at .028 and .025. Weight at 5 lbs. 7 oz. would make a great walk up. upland bird, or quail gun. Price: $17,250

GARBI 103 A SIDELOCK 16 GA / SxS 29″ BBLS: Maker: GARBI, Model: 103 A, Gauge/Caliber: 16 GA, Barrel Length: 29″, Chambers: 2 3/4″, Rib Design:FLAT FILED, Weight:6 lbs 5 oz. Bore/Chokes: Right/Bottom:.665 / .010 / LM, Left/Top:.665 / .021 / IM. Stock Dimensions: Drop At Comb: 1 1/2″, Drop At Face: 1 3/4″ 4 1/2″, Drop At Heel: 2″, Cast At Face: 1/4″ OFF 4 1/2″, Cast At Heel: 3/8″ OFF, Length Of Pull: 14 7/8″, Pitch: 2″ / 4°. Special Features: CASE HARDENED HAND DETACHABLE SIDELOCK PURDEY STYLE ENGLISH ROSE & SCROLL ENGRAVING DOUBLE TRIGGERS EJECTORS EXHIBITION QUALITY STRAIGHT STOCK 9″ EXT SPLINTER FOREARM CANVAS & LEATHER FITTED HARD CASE MADE IN SPAIN CONDITION: EXCELLENT Circa:2004 / SERIAL # 27.03.022.04. Price: $14,995

BEAUTIFUL CASED PERCUSSION DOUBLE BARREL RIFLE BY JOSEPH BOURNE: Marked “London” on top of the barrel. Gun is in good condition with most original stock varnish. Checkered forearm and wrist shows very little use. Checkered style butt plate with most original bright blue. Patchbox on the side with an engraved deer that has turned a nickel color. Lock plates are marked “Bourne”. Nicely engraved with about 75% case color remaining. The trigger guard is engraved with most original blue thinning some. The 30 inch barrels original brown finish has turned to plum/brown and show a good Damascus pattern. Rifle bores are about 40 caliber and the shotgun barrel is about 14 gauge. Excellent bores. Complete with original ram rod. An interesting sight combination fixed to the top of the barrel. Also a retractable standing sight that slides the full length of the barrel. Barrel is marked in increments. Truly unique. The wooden case has compartments with various accoutrements. Also has a hand drawn map included. Beautiful outfit! Price: $8,500

J BLANCH AND SONS LONDON 12GA BLE EXCELLENT SCREW GRIP: A Dandy between the wars London made game gun. Nice sound wood. Strong well timed ejectors. Great barrels. Screw grip action. Lovely engraving. Locks up tight. In London proof. With leather case and cleaning tools. Unengraved stock oval. No issues. Price: $3,375

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February 27, 2022 by Gregg

Fantastic Prewar Boss Heavy Proof 12ga Pigeon Gun with original case- Sumner Engraved and choice in every respect:
Built in the late 1920’s at the peak of fine gunmaking, this London Best needs no introduction. An extremely fine 12ga Boss heavy proof pigeon gun made with 30″ Sir Joseph Whitworth Fluid steel chopper lump barrels that have beautiful hand filed top rib. Gun made with splinter forend with Anson type pushbutton release. The case hardened action is engraved in gorgeous rose and scroll and is very delicate and finely cut- most certainly by Sumner and a work of art to behold! The gun was made with double triggers, auto ejectors, safety. The engraved steel capped pistol grip buttstock is of extremely fine English Walnut with great grain and contrast and terminates with its original checkered butt. The gun is housed in what appears to be its original Oak and leather case with makers label on inside. The gun remains in excellent overall condition. Barrels retain nearly all of their factory quality restored finish. Action retains about 65% bold original case color. The stocks are sound, gorgeous figure, and retain about all of their hand rubbed finish. Bores are brilliant and shiny. Mechanics are crisp. Price: $35,950

J. Purdey Percussion 16 Bore SxS Double rifle: This antique Purdey double rifle is cased and has the original leather covered flask and oil bottle. The flask is marked “AM FLASK AND CAP CO” and the oil bottle is marked “James Dixon & Sons 212M”. The original key is present. The case shows it’s age, however the rifle has stood the test of time very well. There are case colors present on the locks as well as the breech. The locks have safeties and they exhibit strong case colors. The bores have 10 lands and groves and are simular to Henry Rifling and there is a light frosting in the bores. The original ebony ramrod is serial numbered to the gun. The gun weighs 8 pounds 1 ounce. The barrels are 29 3/8 inches long. It has a round cap box that is well engraved as is the rest of the gun. The screws have not been buggered. The rib is engraved “J. Purdy 314 1/2 Oxford Street London” The English checkering is strong and in good condition and the barrels are stub Damascus. Guns of this type do not come along very often. A great buy on today’s market.Price: $12,000.99

WILLIAM CASHMORE SCALLOPED BOXLOCK EJECTOR 20 GAUGE 2 BARREL SET: SN# 202XX, GAME SCENE ENGRAVED, 26″ SOLID RIB BARRELS (.009 AND .009 CONSTRICTIONS) 2 3/4″ CHAMBERS, 30″ SOLID RIB BARRELS (.011 AND .011 CONSTRICTIONS) 2 3/4″ CHAMBERS, BOTH BARRELS NP 1 OZ 2 3/4″, 4 POINT LOCK UP, SIDE CLIPS, NO SAFETY, EJECTORS, SPLINTER FOREARM, ENGLISH GRIP, EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH SOME LIGHT HANDLING, 5LBS 10 OZ W/ 26″ BARRELS, 6LBS 0 OZ W/ 30″ BARRELS, 2 7/8″ DAH, 1 1/4″ DAC, 14 1/2″ LOP, NO CASE Price: $11,500

CHURCHILL 20 from 1954- TOTALLY ORIG in EXC PLUS COND- BOXLOCK EJECT w/ CHOPPER LUMP Bbls.- ORIG 95% BLUE & CASE COLORS- EXC Bbls. INSIDE & OUT-CASE: #7285, 20 Bore, E. J. Churchill (Gunmakers) Ltd., Orange Street, Gunworks, Leicester Square, London: A Churchill 20 Bore Game Gun in Boxlock Ejector Made in 1954 That Remains in Excellent Condition, 25″ Ejector Chopper Lump Barrels, Proved in Birmingham at 1 ounce and 2 3/4″, .614 .003 & .016″ (Skt.I & Imp.Mod.), Original 2 3/4″ chambers, Wall thickness on both the right and left at .036″, Double triggers, Splinter forend with an Anson frontal release, Straight hand stock at 14 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 2 1/8″ over a near full face checkered butt, Cast-Off for the right hand; Swept comb and stock with the top tang, top lever and the trigger guard off-set to the right from a true straight line of the barrels and receiver, This gun points like a dream and is near perfect for a right hand shooter, Great 20 Bore weight at 6 lbs. 1 oz., Very nice wood, 85% coverage of period scroll engraving, The original barrel blue at 95%, The original case colors at 95% and remain bright and vivid, The original stock finish at 96-97%, The checkering is at 99%, The barrels inside & out remain in excellent plus condition and completely free of any dings or pits, The striking on the barrels are excellent, It is cased in the original maker’s leather cornered leather trunk with the proper trade labels, The barrels remain on the face, They have a pronounced chime. On walk up bird shooting over dogs 25″ barrels work absolutely as efficient as longer barrels in the hands of the average upland hunter. If you can prove me differently, I will give you this gun plus pay the shipping to you. Here is a totally original game gun inside and out that remains in excellent condition with mechanics that will last another lifetime. An early post-war boxlock with chopper lump barrels is not encountered very often. Price: $6,600

Engraved Ithaca 3E Flues with 30 Inch Chain Damascus Barrels Made 1919:
Guns by Sally-always the best for less. We are so proud to offer this fine example the classic American double made in Ithaca, New York. The Ithaca name has a very loyal following, and this example can show us why. This is the 3E grade, moving up the grade scale enough for some gorgeous walnut, truly unique game scene engraving, just as unique checkering patterns, and the icing on the cake is that she is fitted with 30 inch Chain Damascus barrels. This is a very striking firearm, and can get your attention from across the room. Even the top rib stands out, with its deep and distinctive machined matting. Made in the year of our Lord 1919, it does not look like it is 103 years old. The original blue is mostly strong, with some thinning at carry points and near the muzzle. The receiver bears sharp, high contrast engraving set against generous amounts of case color. The checkering is very good, and the Damascus pattern is just as bold as the rest of the gun. From the large ivory bead to the original Ithaca butt plate, this shotgun screams high grade American double. The lever resides to the right of center, ejectors toss the empties, and she is choked old school, full and full. Built for the long run, she weighs in at just under 7 1/2 pounds. Drops are 1 5/8 and 2 3/4 inches, with an LOP of 14 inches. Chambers are 2 3/4 inches, and RST loads can allow this beauty to keep knocking down birds for years to come. This fine double represents a true bargain in this category. While you can spend many times this amount for a high grade double, they won’t get any more attention in front of your safe than this Fluesy. If you have been looking for the right classic Ithaca to collect, for investment, or for a classy hunt, then look no further. Price: $2800

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

May 16, 2021 by Gregg

Exceptionally fine, lightweight high original condition Parker DHE 12ga Game gun – Straight Stock, Parker SST, great wood and perfect dimensions: Absolutely beautiful high original condition Parker DHE 12ga gun in a rare configuration. RARE Transition gun NOT marked Parker anywhere on the frame! Just a few known like this!!!

This gun made in early 1932 with 28″ Titanic barrels on a 1-1/2 frame. Made with splinter forend, original Parker SST, auto ejectors, straight grip buttstock with original leather faced pad. The gun is beautifully engraved in standard DHE 12ga pattern with pheasants on trigger plate.

Overall the gun remains in superb high original condition with more than 95% bold original case color. Barrel blue shows some handling marks at 95% original, and barrels are undented and bores are brilliant and shiny. Stocks are sound with minor handling marks and retain more than 97% of their original finish. The pad is hardening and appears original. Loaded with original trigger guard blue which is toning at grip. Checkering is crisp as we expect to find on a very lightly used gun like this. Mechanics are crisp. If you have been looking for a great lightweight and dynamic Parker, you know guns in this shape are near impossible to source. Straight grip is the cherry on top with this rare gun! Please don’t hesitate to contact me at (704) 280-2382 with any questions or reasonable offers on this fine Parker. Price: $9250

DOUBLE BARREL PERCUSSION RIFLE MADE BY HORSLEY OF YORK: A very interesting gun. Barrels only measure about 17 inches. Bores are about 40 caliber. Gun is in excellent condition. Gun is finely engraved with scroll work on the hammers, sideplate and upper tang. Gun features hammer locks mounted on the sideplate. Has a 3-leaf express rear sight with an of the period mounted scope which matches the Damascus pattern on the barrel. Nicely checkered forearm and buttstock are in very nice condition. Steel shotgun style buttplate. Overall metal has about 75% Damazien pattern on the barrel. Lock and upper tang retain about 75% case colors. Half the blue remains on the trigger guard which has a lion engraved on it. This is a high quality rifle and in fine condition. Price: $ 7,775.

Parker 20Ga. VH SxS Shotgun: Built in 1926. This gun has 28″ Vulcan steel barrels choked modified (.015″) and full (.025″) with 25/8″ chambers. The gun is built on an O frame and weighs 6-0. The gun is in original condition retaining traces of the original case color in the protected areas,95% of the original barrel blue,and 95% of the original wood finish. The stock still retains the original dogs head buttplate. The action is tight and the barrels on face. The bores are mint and free of any dents or pits. This is a fine lightweight Parker for the shooter who actually uses his guns. It would make a great all around upland gun and a fun gun for vintage clays shoots. Price: $3295

Ithaca NID SxS Shotgun 16ga: Very good plus overall condition sporting original finish to metal. Light coat of varnish added to wood. Thinning original blue to barrels. Chamber: 2 – 3/4″ Choke: Full and Cylinder Drop at Comb: 1 – 5/8″ Drop at Heel: 3″ Length of Pull: 14″ with extractor.

This Ithaca NID No. 2 Grade SxS Shotgun was made by the Ithaca Gun Company in Ithaca, New York in 1940. The NID No. 2 Grade incorporates a walnut checkered pistol grip stock with black hard rubber grip cap and Ithaca logo marked hard rubber buttplate. This vintage design also features a walnut checkered splinter forearm with friction release, fluid steel barrels with matted rib and bead front sight, and extractors, and barrels marked on flats with Ithaca choke codes “4” and “2” for Full and Modified. Case hardened Boxlock frame depicts bird imagery and scrolled No. 2 style engraving. This valuable shotgun also has double triggers and an automatic safety. Price: $2,295.

B.C My Luck ~ Model M ~ 12 GA. ~ SxS Boxlock Shotgun: Chambers: 2 3/4″ Chamber, Metal Condition: Good, Wood Condition: Good, Bore Condition: Good, Barrels: 28″ Barrel, Triggers: Double, Stock Dimensions:, 14″ Length Of Pull, Fore End: Checkered Wood, Butt Pad: Plastic Butt Plate, Weight: 6lb, Sights: Front Bead, Chokes: Left: Cylinder / Right: Full. Price: $449.97

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November 29, 2020 by Gregg

F.lli Piotti King I 20 Gauge Sidelock SxS: 28″ Chokes: IC – M L.O.P. : 14 3/4″ Drop: 1 1/2″C x 2 1/4″H Weight: 6 lbs 4 oz Ser. #: 9189 Stock #: 852. Price: $22,000

Gebruder Merkel 12 Gauge – MOD. 127E, PRE-WAR SIDELOCK SIDE-BY-SIDE, MINTY: Year 1926, 12 Gauge, 7lbs 2oz, Chokes F/F, LOP 14 1/4″, DAH 2 3/4″, DAC 1 5/8″, Serial Number: 14777. I have been collecting, buying, and selling fine shotguns for over 30 years. It is a treasure hunt extraordinaire that I have enjoyed immensely. There are times when you think you have seen it all, and then you come across a truly rare and amazing shotgun. Merkel has been building fine firearms since 1898 and built its first side x side in 1914. Mostly known for their fine shotguns made post-WWII after the lifting of the Iron Curtain, it is their PRE-WAR guns that collectors and shooters covet most. Pre-war Gerbruder Merkel is associated with finely crafted over/under guns more than the side x side guns. I have seen many of their over/unders. However, I was unaware of their BEST GUN sidelock side x sides known as the Model 127E as shown here with the fine Merkel we are offering for sale today. This Merkel, sn14777 built in 1926, remains in incredible factory original condition with 99% factory barrel blue, 99% vivid, bold factory case color, 99% charcoal blue trigger guard, and 98% factory finish remaining on the wonderfully figured European walnut stocks. This is a Holland & Holland style 9-pin sidelock action, complete with beaded fences, sculpted bolster on the frame, cocking indicators, and ALL GOLD-WASHED INTERNALS, INCLUDING THE EJECTOR RODS, EJECTOR HAMMERS, COCKING RODS, TRIGGERS, AND ALL PARTS OF THE LOCKS INCLUDING THE PINS THAT SHOW TO THE OUTSIDE. You just don’t see these features on anything but the company’s finest offering of the day. The engraving is the most detailed and perfectly executed rose and scroll engraving I have witnessed from any maker in the world. Study the photos on our and you will see what I mean. The gun is in as new condition both visually and mechanically. This is a VFI CERTIFIED GUN WITH A 90 DAY MECHANICAL WARRANTY. We have stripped the action and forend to its smallest parts, Ultrasonic cleaned the old, dried oil from all the parts, inspected all for function and integrity, lubricated all and reassembled. The barrels have a wedge of engraving on the Krupp Steel rib, are tight on face and the hinge pin like a new gun, with ribs tight and barrels that ring true. See the specifications below for stock measurements, chokes, barrel wall thickness, etc. This is a rare gun, and a rare opportunity to own the finest Merkel has ever offered as a named Model 127E. Thanks for looking! Price: $17,950

Whitworth Company Limited .451 SxS Percussion Double Rifle Cased: This one of very few percussion double rifles built by the Whitworth company, the pair of barrels were built out of one bar of steel! No rib, regulated in the boring! This rifle is cased in the original cased and has been shot by Ken Owen as well as myself and the owner. 485-500 grain bullets, hex bores that are very clean, 1 standing, 5 folded to a front sight that is adjustable for windage. The action is clean with stalking safe and engraved Whitworth crown detail, clean screws, original nitre blue on the safeties. The barrels are 26″ with what appears to be original blue, a few rack/ handling marks, the ramrod is period correct. The stock is very stable with no oil soaking, no cracks, good chequering, original appearing oil finish with scattered handling marks and dents, 14 1/2″ length of pull to a steel plate with good blue. This rifle is wonderful at the shoulder with no excessive drop and wonderful balance. The sights come up as a modern rifle would. The Case is in fair condition. 9lbs 10oz. Price: $15,000

H. S. Greenfield & Son Matched Pair Lightweight 12g SxS Boxlock: H. S. Greenfield & Son, 4 & 5 Upper Bridge Street, Canterbury, Kent consecutively numbered matched pair of lightweight game guns with 26″ ejector dovetail lump barrels with Churchill ribs. Birmingham proved at .729, 3 1/4 Tons, 2 3/4″ chambers. Both sets of barrels exhibit excellent bores. Bores and chokes are identical on both guns. Bores measure .732 on the right and .730 on the left. Choked .009 [IC] on the right and .019 [M] on the left. Fancy back scalloped receivers retain 90% vivid original color case hardening and 90% coverage of Holland & Holland style scroll engraving. Gold inlayed #1 & #2 on receiver, barrels, and forend on both guns respectively. Barrel, trigger guard, and floorplate blue remains at 98% on both guns. Stocked in nicely figured English Walnut with good color and contrast. Receiver drop points. Initialed stock ovals. Buttstocks show light field use with slightly more on the #1 gun. Lop is 14 1/2″ to leather covered pads on both. DAC-1 1/2″ DAH-2 1/8″ Cast off 1/2″ Both weigh 5lb 15oz. This is an outstanding and exactly matched consecutively numbered pair from an obviously very talented provincial maker that remain in high condition. Outstanding upland bird guns that you can carry all day. Top drawer stuff. I just doesn’t get any better than this. Cased in their original monogramed leather motor case with canvas cover and cleaning rod also in very good condition. Price: $9850

16g Parker VHE, SxS, 6 lbs. 9 oz: Serial Number: 158831, Ejectors: Yes, Barrels: 26 inches, Action: SE, Triggers: Double Trigger, Gauge: 16 Gauge, Stock Comb: 1 1/2 inches, Stock Heel: 2 3/8 inches, Fore End: Splinter, LOP: 14 1/4 inches, Weight: 6 lbs. 9 oz. Price: $4,500

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November 22, 2020 by Gregg

12g Parker/Winchester Reproduction DHE SXS, New and in original box with the case: 26″ barrel, IC/MOD, double trigger, beaver tail forend, pistol grip stock . New and in original box with the case. LOP 14 1/4″, DAC 1 3/8″, DAH 2 1/4″. Price: $4995

CSMC RBL 28 ga 28 inch Deluxe wood English Stock, Auto Eject, Cased: RBL002862, Caliber/Gauge: 28 Ga., Barrel Length: 28 inch, Sights: Factory Original, Bore: Excellent, Rib: Solid, Choke: Improved Modified/ Modfied
Chamber: 2 3/4″, Length of Pull: 14 3/4 inches, Drop Comb: 1 1/2 inches, Drop, Heel: 2 1/4 inches, Weight: 5.52 lbs, Cast: Neutral, Finish: Factory Original, Grips/Stock: Factory Original. Beautiful nice little light weight CSMC model RBL chambered in 28 gauge. 28 inch barrel, bright shinny bores, automatic ejectors, double gold triggers, straight English stock, beautiful deluxe wood. Two little blemishes on the finish shown in the pictures. Comes with the original case, paperwork, cleaning rod, caps and oil can. Price: $4750

Belgian Browning Super Light Superposed 20 Ga: Consigned to Cole’s is this very nice Belgian Browning Superposed Super Light in 20 ga with 26-inch barrels. The shotgun bears serial # 223PW02990. The bores are excellent. The upper barrel is choked Mod (**) and the lower is choked IC (**-). This shotgun weighs in at 5lbs 14 oz, a true super lightweight. The shotgun has a long tang, straight grip. The LOP is 14 ¾” and terminates with a Decelerator recoil pad. The stock has various minor nicks and dings from days afield. The gun is nice and tight and there is no looseness to be found open or when in battery. The bluing is just starting to flake from the bottom of the receiver from carry. Some very minor loss of factory finish is observed along the tang as well. Again, this from honest use pursuing dove and quail. One of the best I have seen or found out here in a very, very long time. Price: $4650

BEAUTIFULLY MADE DOUBLE BARREL 14 GAUGE PERCUSSION SHOTGUN BY JOHN BLANCH: Gun is nicely done. Beautiful delicate engraving on the locks. Straight grip stock is in good condition with sharp checkering. Some missing wood on the left side forward of the lock. Trigger guard retains most original blue as does the safety release. Barrels are 31 inches and retain most of the bright Damascus pattern. Locks and upper tang retain 60-70% bright blue. A very beautiful gun. Nicely fitted in oak case with cleaning rod, leather shot cap and powder flask. Case has the John Blanch & Sons label inside the lid. A high quality gun. Price: $4,500

W.J. Jeffrey – BLE – 12ga 28″ – Appears Original: 2-1/2″, 28″ CYL / F (.000″/.036″) Ejectors, Auto Safety, LOP 14-1/4″, Drop 1-1/2″ to 2″, Cast Off, Weight 6lbs 6oz. Mechanically Sound. Barrels ring and have plenty of wall thickness. Price: $1950

Holy cr@p. This thing’s worth how much?

November 21, 2019 by Gregg

(A) TRULY SUPERB QUALITY, BEAUTIFULLY RELIEF GOLD INLAID AND ENGRAVED PERCUSSION SHOTGUN BY KOEZ

Sometimes I think I know a lot about old doubles. Then a gun like this one pops up, and I realize how much I need to learn.

Morphy Auctions sold it last month, and it hammered down for $225,000. With the 20% buyer’s premium, that means someone thought this gun was worth $270,000! I’ve studied the pictures and read the description over and over, and I have to say: I have no idea why a person would think that.

(A) TRULY SUPERB QUALITY, BEAUTIFULLY RELIEF GOLD INLAID AND ENGRAVED PERCUSSION SHOTGUN BY KOEZI: (ca 1850) This exceptional example of the gunmakers art has 31 – 1/8″ intricately patterned Damascus barrels with slightly raised broad game rib, gold inlaid with makers names and the addresses “Varsovie” (Warsaw) and “Faubourg de Eracovie” (suburb of Krakow), and with serial number “388”. Heer lists Jachimek I Sosnowski (circa 1850-60) in Warsaw but does not have an entry for Koezi. The rib is also flush gold inlaid with scenes of hounds, coursing stags and boar, as well as a small vignette of game birds, all in nicely detailed and engraved backgrounds. Sides of barrels are semi relief gold inlaid with mounted hunters and hounds chasing a fox on right, and a stag on left. These backgrounds are also well detailed; and gold inlaid rose bouquets accent ends of scenes. Bottoms of barrels are stamped with Belgian black powder proofs and bottom of right barrel is stamped “H. VINCENT”. An ebony ramrod with silver mushroom tip and brass tail (worm under cap) is held by two plain pipes. Patent breeches with vented platinum blow-outs are case hardened and nicely filed. Breech iron has integral fences, and is gold inlaid with mounted huntress. French grey isolated bar locks with tall serpentine round bodied hammers are relief gold inlaid and engraved en suite with barrels with hunters and hounds chasing fox on right and boar on left. Hammers are embellished with gold rose bouquets. Trigger plate, also French grey, has stylized pineapple finial matching thimble. These pieces also have gold rose bouquets. Blued trigger guard depicts more relief gold hunters with mounted pair on trigger guard about to finish off a wolf. Rifleman on trigger guard tang is taking aim at a lion. These scenes continue onto top tang of blued buttplate. A vacant silver shield is at top of grip, and rear of barrel channels in stock are protected by hallmarked gold washed silver guard. Superb lightly fiddle figured blackest ebony stock has relief acanthus carved panels at grip in place of checkering, and with triangles on sides of butt. Barrels attach to stock with captive sliding side bolt through oval steel escutcheons, lightly scroll engraved and with gold borders. Gun and accessories are housed in extravagant Brazilian rosewood case with four pin key-locking closure. Top of case is inlaid with engraved brass scrolls highlighted by tortoise shell infill with silver, ivory, and turquoise inlaid floral accents. Large central motif is topped by a pair of cherubs either side of an imperial crown. Top is outlined by brass and silver bands, and edge is of carved beaded rosewood. Interior is lined in red velvet with gold braid surround. A thin silk pillow with more gold braid accents separates top from bottom compartment. Bottom is French fitted for a multitude of exceptional quality steel and ebony accessories. These include a beautifully scroll and game scene embossed copper bodied German silver top powder flask by James Dixon with matching shot pouch having brown Morocco leather body. Other accessories include ebony handled nipple wrench, lead dipper, and cleaning rod. Steel accessories are all very finely turned, knurled and polished, and include a wad punch, mainspring vice, powder measure, oil bottle, and bullet mold. CONDITION: Excellent, showing little use, and only minor handling marks, and finish loss mostly from rubbing in case. Mechanically excellent. Case exterior shows added finish and considerable replacement of tortoise shell with red lacquer infill. 8″ piece of top surround is missing at right edge, and a 12″ crack is evident at lower right side of top. Interior cloth is very fine, somewhat faded, as would be expected. There are rubs and compressions from contact with gun and accessories. Protective pillow shows some fraying at right edge, gold braid somewhat tarnished. Accessories are generally excellent with minor staining and grime. Just a wonderful gun. MGM38. AccessoriesCase, Accessories Barrel Length31 – 1/8″ Barrel Wall Thickness(L) .030 (R) .036 Chamber ChokeNone Drop at Comb1 – 1/2″- Drop at Heel2″ FFL StatusAntique Gauge10 Bore Internal Bore Diameter(L) .745 (R) .745 Length of Pull14 – 1/8″ ManufacturerKoezi & Jachimek ModelPercussion SXS Paperwork Weight8 lbs. 0 oz. Serial Number388

Wow – what a great looking J. Purdey percussion rifle …

June 26, 2015 by Gregg

J. Purdey Percussion SxS, 1847 vintage, 50 bore

A couples friends of mine are crazy about muzzleloading Purdeys. Take a look at this one and you’ll see why.

James Purdey built 809 double-barrel percussion rifles. The first was sold in 1827 and the last — 32-bore back action for eccentric Scottish collector Charles Gordon — left Purdey’s in 1896.

According to the The Early Purdeys, this percussion rifle was sold by Purdey in August of 1847. It was a 50-bore (not a 50 caliber) with 27″ barrels.The JP marks on the underside of the barrels indicate that these barrels were forged by James Purdey (the firm), instead of being outsourced to barrel maker like Charles Lancaster (CL).

When this rifle was made, James Purdey had been running his own business for 31 years. Shotguns, rifles, and pistols like this built his reputation and established his firm as one of the top gunmakers in the UK.

J. Purdey, 314 1/2 Oxford Street, London, 50-bore Percussion SxS, 1847 vintage: Hammergun with stalking safeties. Scroll engraved furniture and lockplates. Barrel Inscribed ” J.Purdey. 314 1/2, Oxford Street, London”. Price: $19,999.99

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: 1848
Caliber: 50-bore
Metal Condition: Refreshed at sometime showing strong damascus brown patterns , Bluing worn on lower hardware.

Wood Condition: Shows a few dings and scratches
Barrels: 27 Inch
Triggers: Double Triggers
Stock: Straight Grip.
Stock Dimensions: 14 1/8″ LOP
Butt Pad: Blued Steel Plate
Weight: 6 Lbs 2 Ozs
Sights: Open Sights

My 5 favorite doubles, powered by Gunsinternational.com…

December 2, 2012 by Gregg

It was a good week for double-barrel shotguns. Several nice O/U and side-by-sides hit the market, including the ones listed below.

Boss, 20 ga, O/U: 26” barrels, Choked M/F, single selective trigger, ventilated top rib, 2 ¾” chamber, straight grip, checkered butt, 95% original, case color hardening, 98% blue, wood finish and checkering. Even though I’ll never be able to afford a Boss O/U, I sure like looking at them. The workmanship on them is usually outstanding.

WESTLEY RICHARDS SIDELOCK 20g. OVERALL a 95% ORIG GUN- 26″ EJECT- 98% ORIG CASE COLORS- 98% ENGRAVED- 5 Lbs. 9 Oz: Made in 1965, 26″ Ejector Dovetail Lump barrels, original 2 3/4″ chambers. 14 3/4 LOP. Even though this Westly is expensive ($25,900), it’s still a great deal at.

John Dickson & Son Round Action Trigger Plate Side by Side 12 Bore Ejector: Circa 1949, double triggers, 6 pounds 8 ounces. Best bouquet and scroll engraving, 60-70% original case color. 14 7/8″ LOP. 28 inch chopper lump barrels. Some guys really love Dickson. It you’re one of them, you should jump on this one.

FRANZ SODIA FERLACH 12ga. SxS: Chambered for 2 1/2″ & 2 3/4″ shells. Automatic safety, ejectors, double triggers, weight 6lbs. LOP is 14 1/2″, barrels are 27 1/2″. Sodia made some very nice shotguns. If you’re into high quality and low prices, I would check this one out.

12 gauge Beretta 686 O/U, straight stock

BERETTA – 686 Onyx – RARE Factory English Stock: 1989 – Beretta – 686 Onyx – 12ga, 26-1/2″, 3″ Chambers, Vent Rib, English Stock, LOP 14-3/4″ over the Factory pad, Drop 1-1/2″ to 2-1/4″ Weight 7 lbs. 2 oz. Condition 98+% – Clearly used very little. Includes: Three Chokes – IC / M / F and Choke Wrench. This is just a great pheasant gun.

And just for fun, check out these awesome percussion pistols:

Fantastic Purdey Dueling Pistol, 1 of a pair

James Purdey .51 Dueling Pistols: Pair of James Purdey Dueling pistols. Barrels have 98% of their original Damascus pattern finish. Locks, hammers and buttcaps have 100% original case colors. Stocks are excellent to near mint with crisp checkering. Trigger guards have 90% original blue. Simply awesome. Check out the pics of these guns to see just how well made are. As good as it gets.

Auction Alert: Parkers, Purdeys, Alexander Henry & more…

November 15, 2012November 15, 2012 by Gregg

Constantine & Pletcher Sportsman's Auction — Fall Sportsman’s Auction

Constantine & Pletcher in Cheswick, PA, is having their fall, 2012, Sportsman’s Auction this Sat, 11/17 @ 3:30pm. They have a bunch of Parkers double barrels coming up, including an 8 gauge and a 12 gauge with 36″ bbls.

There are also a couple interesting Purdey side-by-sides, and a real nice Alexander Henry percussion shotgun. See the links below for highlights.

Lot 11: CHARLES PARKER CASED TWO-BARREL SET OF DOUBLE: CHARLES PARKER CASED TWO-BARREL SET OF DOUBLE -BARREL HAMMER SHOTGUN.

Lot 41: CHARLES PARKER DOUBLE-BARREL HAMMER SHOTGUN: CHARLES PARKER DOUBLE-BARREL HAMMER SHOTGUN.

Lot 70: PURDEY DOUBLE-BARREL BACK ACTION LOCK HAMMER: 10 gauge PURDEY DOUBLE-BARREL BACK ACTION LOCK HAMMER SHOTGUN.

Lot 74: CHARLES PARKER DOUBLE-BARREL HAMMERLESS SHOTGUN: CHARLES PARKER DOUBLE-BARREL HAMMERLESS SHOTGUN. “D” grade.

Alexander Henry Percussion Side by Side shotgun

Lot 89: CHARLES PARKER DOUBLE-BARREL HAMMERLESS SHOTGUN: CHARLES PARKER DOUBLE-BARREL HAMMERLESS SHOTGUN. “BHE” grade.

Lot 141: ALEXANDER HENRY CASED 12 GA. DOUBLE-BARREL: ALEXANDER HENRY CASED 12 GA. DOUBLE-BARREL PERCUSSION SHOTGUN.

Super Auction Alert: L.C. Smith 20g 2E, Parker 20g VH, W. & C. Scott & more…

November 2, 2012November 2, 2012 by Gregg

L.C. Smith – Mod. Grade 2 – 20ga. Double Barrel Shotgun – (w/28” Barrels) – w/Auto Ejectors

Redding Auction is having this sale on Sunday, November 4, @ 9:00 AM (PDF of guns). There are handful of nice looking shotguns there, including these side-by-sides, as well as percussion fowler by Woodard & Co. and a Collath drilling.

Check out these hightlights:

Super nice & rare L.C. Smith – Mod. Grade 2 – 20ga. Double Barrel Shotgun – (w/28” Barrels) – w/Auto Ejectors

Parker Bros. – Mod. VH Grade – 20ga. Double Barrel Shotgun – (w/28” Barrels)

Fox – Mod. Sterlingworth – 20ga. Double Barrel Shotgun – (w/26” Barrels) – w/Double Triggers

Woodward & Co. – Percussion Heavy Bore Fowler – w/52 ½” Octagon to Round Barrel

Remington – Mod. 1873/75 – 12ga. Double Barrel Shotgun – (w/30” Damascus Barrels)

Ithaca Gun – Flues Model Grade 3 – 12ga. Double Barrel Shotgun – (w/30” Damascus Barrels)

Charles Daly – Mod. Prussian Lindner – 12ga. Double Barrel Shotgun – (w/30” Barrels) – w/Ejectors

WC Scott – “Monte Carlo B” Grade Sidelock (Antique) 12ga. Double Barrel Shotgun

Tobin Arms – Mod. 30 – 12ga. Double Barrel Shotgun – (w/30” Barrels)

W. Collath & Sohn – 2 Barrel Set German Drilling – 16ga. x 16ga. x 3.8 x 72R – 16ga. x 16ga. x 6.5 x 58R

Midland Gun Co. of Birmingham & London – 12ga. Double Barrel Shotgun – (w/30” Barrels)

How much of this “Purdey” was made by J. Purdey?

June 1, 2012June 1, 2012 by Gregg

16 bore "Purdey" plains rifle, bbl #2869

James Purdey & Sons is just two years shy of being 200 hundred years old. In all that time, they’ve made all sorts of shotguns and rifles. Even though I’ve seen lots of them, I’m still surprised by some of the stuff I come across. Just check out this 16 bore “Purdey” percussion stocking rifle. It’s coming up at Dakota Plains Auction Company’s 6/16-6/17 auction.

Even though the barrel is engraved “J Purdey 314 1/2 Oxford Street London” and it wears the other proper marks (serial #2869), I don’t think the entire gun was made in London. To me, the stock and triggers don’t look British. Then there’s the lock and hammer. It lacks the crispness and refinement that I would expect to see on a rifle coming from 314 1/2 Oxford Street London in 1837. Compare it to this and to this to see what I mean. Also, it’s strange that the lock isn’t marked. There’s no “Purdey”on it anywhere, something I would expect to see.

So what is it? I think it’s an American-made, half-stock percussion plains rifle built around a 16 bore J. Purdey barrel. Of course, I could be wrong. Regardless, it does look high quality. It will be interesting to see how much someone is willing to pay for it.

Serial # on 16 bore Purdey percussion plains rifle

Fences on another Purdey percussion rifle

Vintage double of the week: Patrick Mullin 8 gauge…

January 31, 2012January 29, 2012 by Gregg

Let’s celebrate one of America’s finest gunmakers: Patrick Mullin. Don’t feel bad, most people have never heard of him. Patrick Mullin’s double barrel shotguns were some of the finest ever made on this side of the Atlantic. This 8 gauge, 11lb 5oz., percussion shotgun with 33″ barrels is an excellent example of his work. It glows with excellence and proves that a best-quality gun doesn’t need engraving.

Patrick Mullin 8 gauge percussion shotgun

Patrick Mullin made guns in New York City from around 1850-1870. He was born in Donegal, Ireland, in 1814 and trained in Dublin and London before emigrating to the US. His guns retailed for $400-$1000 — more than Purdeys made at the same time.

On Mullin’s death in 1895, the New York Times published his obituary and stated “He turned out guns of his own handiwork that were unsurpassed in excellence.” This 8 gauge shows that they were right. Pics courtesy Dismal River Armory.

The world’s first self opener??

June 25, 2011 by Gregg

The 1860s were a decade of upheaval and innovation.

As the Civil War raged (1861-65) and the first transcontinental railroad crossed the US (1869), the percussion era in firearms ended. In about a decade, muzzle loading shotguns were replaced by breechloaders and paper cartridges.

These breechloaders started out as hammer guns. But by 1871,successful hammerless models by Murcott and Needham were on the scene. In 1875, Westley Richards introduced their Anson & Deeley barrel-cocking, hammerless, double barrel shotgun and revolutionized sporting guns.

During this period, thousands of firearms patents were granted in Europe, the UK, and the United States. Great Britain’s Henry Tolley filed for a handful of them. Henry was most likely the younger brother of the men behind J. & W. Tolley Gunmakers (Birmingham about 1858 to 1955) and the shotgun here incorporates one of his innovative ideas: a self-opening, Anson& Deeley boxlock shotgun.

Until I saw this gun, I thought Purdey’s Beesley-patent sidelocks were the world’s first self-opening doubles. But Purdey introduced their Beesley-patent hammerless sidelocks in 1884; this Henry Tolley was made before that, probably around 1880.

From the outside, it looks like a standard boxlock. But when you turn the toplever, you can feel the plungers/springs on the flats of the action pop the gun open. And these plungers function this way whether or not the gun has been fired, making the gun a true self opener. Take a look and let me know what you think. Please let me know if you own, or have seen, another boxlock like this. I love to take one apart and see how it really works.

Auction alerts: lots of Lefevers, plus more…

March 18, 2011 by Gregg

There are a handful of decent auction coming up over the next week.

Lefever C/D grade double barrel shotgun at Amoskeag Auction Company

–Montrose Auctions in Montrose, Georgia has a some decent doubles coming up on March 19th. There are a number of side-by-side shotguns, including Parkers, Parker Repros, Winchester M21s, a few A.H. Foxes, and some L.C. Smiths. This is where you can search the lots and bid online. This possible Parker Skeet gun jumped out at me as interesting, as did this real clean looking L.C. Smith 20 gauge OO grade.

–Alderfer Auctions in Hatfield, PA, has some good double barrels in it’s March 22nd sale. There are handful of American side-by-sides, including some Parkers, some Foxes, some Bakers, and a few more. Here’s a searchable catalog where you can see everything and even bid.

–Amoskeag Auction Company in Manchester, New Hampshire, has ton of Lefevers in their March 26 sales. By ton I mean more than 40. There’s a little bit of everything, from hammerless stuff to real rare, real earlier guns like Barber-Lefevers and percussion conversions. The guns are all on line at Amoskeag’s site. Unfortunately, the site is a bit of a pain in the A to use and you can’t bring up all the Lefevers at once. So to save the hassle of having to click and scroll through all 26 pages, I’ve pulled out all the Lefevers for you. Is that nice, or what?

Here they are, listed by their lot #:

6. Lefever Arms Company D-Grade Sidelock Double Shotgun, 12g

7. Lefever Arms Company F-grade Sidelock Double Shotgun, 12g

48. Rare Special Order Lefever DE Grade Sidelock Ejectorgun, 16g

95. Lefever Arms Company E-grade Sidelock Double Ejectorgun, 12g

360. Lefever Arms Company F-grade Sidelock Double Shotgun, 12g

512. Rare Barber and Lefever Thumb Opener Double Hammergun, 10g

514. Rare Barber and Lefever Thumb Opener Double Hammergun, 10g

515. Rare Barber and Lefever Round Body Thumb Opener Double Hammergun, 12g

564. Lefever Arms Company H-grade Sidelock Double Shotgun, 12g

565. Lefever Arms Thumb-opener Sidelock Double Shotgun, 10g

588. John Nichols E-grade Thumb Opener Double Hammergun, 10g