Woodward | Dogs and Doubles

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

May 23, 2021 by Gregg

PURDEY BEST PRE WAR SIDELOCK SXS 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN: MADE 1913, #20925, 28″ SOLID RIB BARRELS (004″ AND 028″ CONSTRICTIONS), 2 5/8″ CHAMBERS, DOUBLE TRIGGER, EJECTORS, SPLINTER FOREARM, ENGLISH GRIP, EXCELLENT CONDITION, CHECKERED BUTT, 6LBS 7 OZ, 2 3/16″ DAH, 1 3/8″ DAC, 14 1/4″ LOP, MAKERS OAK AND LEATHER CASE. Price: $35,500

Extremely rare and awesome original Parker GH 12ga with 34″ steel brls orig chambered for 2-7/8″ -An amazing vintage California Duck: One of just 18 made with 34″ barrels and made in 1914, this awesome Parker G Grade gun made with original 34″ steel barrels. The gun made with original straight grip stock, splinter forend and double triggers. Made on a #2 frame. This gun is accompanied by a PGCA letter that matches the gun to a “T” and it appears untouched and all original, including the hardened original Silver’s pad. This gun remains in fine original condition with more 50% original case color, 95% original barrel blue, and 95% original stock finish. The bores are brilliant and shiny, and the mechanics are crisp. This is a stout gun and ready for incoming ducks this fall! Price: $8995

Fabarm Autumn 20ga/30″ SxS Shotgun: Case colored receiver with scroll engraving, scalloped frame, splinter forend, straight grip stock, deluxe grade Turkish walnut with checkering and oil finish, rounded action, wooden butt plate, TriBore barrels with five flush choke tubes, 3″ chambers, selective safety. Comes with factory case and paper work. Gun remains in “as new” condition and is unfired by the original owner. Price: $3,100

JOHN DICKSON & SON BOXLOCK EJECTOR 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN – 28″ BARRELS: A 12 gauge boxlock ejector shotgun with 28” nitro proved barrels nicely fit with ejectors and a smooth concave game rib. The rib reads “JOHN DICKSON & SON.EDINBURGH.” Proved for 2-3/4″ cartridges and choked Improved Cylinder (Right) & Full (Left). Scroll engraving with “JOHN DICKSON & SON” in banner on both sides of the action body and case color finish going to a soft patina, Double triggers, Best Quality Walnut Stock, Traditional English straight hand grip, Vacant stock oval and Splinter forend with Anson type release, 14-1/2” LOP to a checkered butt, Cast Off 1/4” at face, 6 Lbs. 11 Oz. Price: $2,950

B. Woodward High Grade English Hammer double: Benjamin Woodward & Sons was as far as we can discern was not directly related to James Woodward but I think James would approve of the quality of this distant relatives accomplishment. The craftsmanship is very high. Antique: Yes, Serial Number: 6331, Ejectors: No, Barrels: 30″, Barrel Type: Damascus, Action: top lever back action with non-rebounding hammers, Gauge: 12 gauge, Stock Comb: 1 7/8″, Stock Heel: 2 7/8″, Stock Cast: 0, LOP: 14 3/8″, Weight: 7 lbs. 3.5 oz., Choke Left: Cyl., Choke Right: Cyl. Proof:Black: 2 1/2″ Minimum Wall Thickness Left: .031″ Minimum Wall Thickness Right: .033″ Price: $2,400

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

October 11, 2020 by Gregg

Piotti Boss style pre-owned pair of 28 gauge sidelock over & under’s with 30 inch barrels: Action: 28 gauge, Sidelock ejectors, Single triggers Non-Automatic safeties. Barrel Length: 30 inches, Chamber: 2 3/4 inch, Rib: Game solid rib, Chokes: Bottom : M/C Top : M/C. Deluxe Grade Walnut Stock. Length: 14 3/4 inches. Grip: Semi pistol grip. Butt End Finish: Chequred. Forend: Game Style Forend. Fine Rose & Scroll engraving. Case Colour finish. Weight: 6 lbs – 4oz. Double leather case. Date of Manufacture: 2013. Price: $175,000

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

Extremely Fine Documented Parker $135 Grade 14 Bore – The finest early 14 bore known! This incredible early Parker Hammer gun is recognized widely by advanced collectors as the finest 14 bore hammer gun known. The gun is pictured on page 233 of “THE PARKER STORY” and described as a $135 Grade Gun. It was made with straight stock which terminates with a blued full steel buttplate, splinter forend with wedge fastener, and 30″ Damascus barrels. The gun is an early “Pin Lifter” as seen in the photos. The gun weighs 8lbs 8oz and retains about 60% gorgeous original case color. The barrels retain about 90% original damascus pattern. Bores are very good with some minor freckles but incredibly nice for a gun of this vintage. The checkering is original and crisp. The gun retains about 90% original stock finish. There are some minor ancient grain separations at the bottom stock fingers which have been expertly repaired. The full steel buttplate retains about 40% original blue! Unheard of on a gun of this vintage. Trigger guard retains about 70% original blue, toned a bit on the bow, quite strong on the tang. Widely recognized as the “finest 14 bore hammer gun known” this gun is a true treasure for a serious student of the Parker Gun. Price: $9500

Woodward – SLE – 12 ga: SxS, Ejectors: Yes, Trigger: Double, Grip: Straight Grip, Forend: Checkered, Lop: 14 3/4 “, Type of butt: Checkered Wood, Drop comb: 1 1/2 “, Drop heel: 2 3/8″ Cast amount: 3/16” Cast: Off Weight: 7 lbs, oz Manufactured in: England Finish: Case Colored Overall condition: Very Good Stock condition: Very Good Metal condition: Very Good. Price: $8,200

AYA No 2 16 Gauge Sidelock SxS Shotgun: 28″ Chokes: IC – IM L.O.P. : 14 1/2″ Drop: 1 3/8″C x 2″H Weight: 6 lbs 6 oz Ser. #: 16-03-291-03
Price: $3,750

What a Woodward! A great gun from a mysterious maker …

May 1, 2020 by Gregg

James Woodward & Sons, St. James St., Gunmaker case label

Of all the famous London gunmakers, James Woodward & Sons is the most mysterious. Great examples of their doubles are hard to find. So is reliable information about the company.

We do know that James Woodward opened his business in 1874 and that his company was bought by James Purdey & Sons in 1948. In its 74 years, Woodward may have built around 4,500 guns or so — no one is sure about the exact number. The company introduced its famous Woodward over & under in 1913.

The James Woodward & Sons side-by-side you see here is one of the nicest Woodward SxSs I’ve seen on the market in years. It made around 1930, and according to the seller it’s in minty condition. It’s a big gun, and its weight, broad, file-cut rib, sideclips, and 2 3/4″ chambers make me thing it may have been made with live-pigeon shooting in mind.

The deep cut, arcaded fences on this gun are one of Woodward’s signature features. So is this gun’s T-shaped safety.

Read this article from Gray’s Sporting Journal to learn more about James Woodward & Sons: The enduring influence of the gunmaker’s gunmaker.

Go here to see from great OUs: James Woodward & Sons. A pair of 12g over and under guns.

JAMES WOODWARD BEST SXS 12 GAUGE: #6952, 30″ BARRELS, CHOKES .008″ AND .027″, CHAMBERS 2 3/4″, DOUBLE TRIGGER, EJECTOR, SPLINTER FOREARM, ENGLISH GRIP, MINT, MAKERS CASE, 7LBS 11 OZ, 2 1/4″ DAH, 1 1/2″ DAC, 14 3/4″ LOP. Price: $39,500

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

March 22, 2020 by Gregg

WEBLEY & SCOTT DOUBLE RIFLE IN .250-3000 CALIBER IN IT’S ORIGINAL LEATHER CASE: 28″ barrels with five leaf express sight. Engraved and casehardened Anson and Deeley box lock receiver. Top lever, extractors, and double triggers. Checkered splinter forend and pistol grip buttstock with cheekpiece and leather pad. LOP: 14 1/4″ Weight: 8lbs 6oz. In beautiful original condition retaining all of the barrel blue, vivid case colors and excellent stock and checkering. Mint bores. In its original leather luggage case with canvas cover. Price: $18,500

PARKER DHE 16 GAUGE SxS: #1 FRAME, #232XXX, 28″ MOD AND FULL 2 3/4 CHAMBERS, DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS, SPLINTER FOREARM, PISTOL GRIP, CHECKERED BUTT. Price: $13,900

Awesome California Duck Club DHE 20ga Parker with 30″ barrels and special order features: Made on a “0” frame with splinter forend, straight stock, double triggers and original skeleton buttplate. This gun with several special order features which are mentioned in the PGCA letter (photo included), most importantly is the forend checkering which calls for the forend to be checkered all over- this is the only fully checkered original DHE 20ga I have seen. The gun remains in pleasing untouched original condition with about 20% original case color. Barrels are excellent with about 75% original toned blue. The stocks are sound (no cracks) and retain about 85% of their original finish wish scattered handling marks from time in the blind. Bores are brilliant and shiny. Mechanics are crisp. Price: $10,500

Francotte – 20E, 20ga. 26″ Barrels Choked SK/IM: Semi pistol grip, small leather face pad, double trigger, AE, Abercrombie and Fitch gun in A&F case with all of its accessories. Sideclip, 3rd fastener, 90% plus case color, barrel blue and wood finish. Not a screw has been turned. Untouched great gun, splinter forend. A Great, Great untouched gun. 5 lbs. 6 oz. 14 ½” x 1 3/8″ x 2 ½”. Price: $9,995

JAMES WOODWARD 12g DAMASCUS HAMMERGUN MUST SEE: Stunning Hammergun from one of London’s finest makers. Best quality engraving, Damascus barrels and wood. See photos. Locks up tight, barrels ring, bright bores. no pits, no cracks and no dents. A well cared for gun from the 1870s. Barrel Length: 29IN
Bore: L .735 R.735, Chambers: 2 1/2 IN Stock Comb: 1 7/16 IN Stock Heel: 2 1/8IN Butt Pad: HORN LOP: 14 3/4IN Weight: 7LBS Manufacture Date: 1874-1879
Choke Left: CYL Choke Right: CYL. Price: $3475

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

February 3, 2019 by Gregg

J. Purdey & Sons – Best – Ultra Round Body – 20 ga – Over Under Shotgun: Serial #29778, Ejectors: Yes, Trigger: Single, Grip: Rounded Pistol Grip, Lop: 15 1/4 “, Pad thickness: 0.75 “, Type of butt: Leather Covered Pad, Drop at comb: 1 3/8 “, Drop at heel: 2”, Cast amount: 1/4 “, OFF, Weight: 7 lbs, 2 oz, Manufactured in 2001, Overall condition: Very Good, Stock: Original finish, Metal: Original finish, Gauge: 20 ga, Chambers: 2 3/4″, Length: 30”, Chokes: M/IM, Rib type: Solid, Comments : Bulino Game Scene engraved by Giancarlo Pedretti. Price: $140,000

James Woodward & Sons ~ London Best~ Pair ~ 12 Ga: Metal Condition: excellent, Wood Condition: excellent, Bore Condition: shiny, Barrels: 29″, Triggers: double triggers, Stock Dimensions:
14.5″ LOP 2″ DAH 1.75″ DAC, Butt Pad: leather pad, Weight: 6lbs 7oz, Chokes: modified and quarter chokes. Price: $19,998

PERAZZI 12 MIRAGE LIVE BIRD GUN- 1978- 28 3/8″ VENT RIB Bbls. at 11mm x 7mm- DETACH SINGLE TRIGGER- EVERY SERIAL # MATCHES- 96% ORIG. CASE COLORS: #52562, Live Bird Gun, Made in 1978, 28 3/8″ Low Step Ventilated Rib at 11mm x 7mm, Ventilated side/midrib, .725 .014 & .022″ Briley’s in bottom barrel only (Light Mod. & Light Imp.Mod.), Top barrel factory fixed choke at .725 .042 (Full), 2 3/4″ chambers, KG 1,460 weight barrels, (The side ribs are vented,) Detachable single trigger with flat springs, Full forend with the round bottom and flat sides, Type IV forend, Pistol grip Monte Carlo stock at 14 1/2 x 1 7/16 x 1 7/16″ and 2 1/4″ at the heel over a 1″ Kick-Eez pad, 8 lbs., The gun is totally original in every respect with every serial number matching, It retains 96% original blue, The original case colors remain at 96-97%, The wood is still at 92-93%, The checkering at 99%, The bores are excellent. This piece is still tight with very good bite remaining. The piece comes with the original factory trunk case and the proof paperwork. This Mirage still has a lot of shooting life left and was well kept all these years. Price: $3,850

Abercrombie & Fitch – 20ga SxS Boxlock Shotgun, 26” IC/Mod: Round knob pistol grip, ¾” leather faced pad, boxlock gun with scalloped receiver, gold oval, 95% case coloring remaining, 80% wood condition, 80% barrels with several light rust spots from normal use, solid game rib, double trigger,splinter forend, hidden 3rd fastener lockup, extractor, manufactured in Italy by Zoli & Rizzini with 1970 proof, an excellent field gun, available for immediate delivery. 14 ¼” x 1 ½” x 2 ½”, 6 lb., 6 oz. Price: $2,200

BERETTA S686 SPECIAL 28 GAUGE OVER UNDER SHOTGUN: 26 1/2″ BARRELS WITH MOBIL CHOKES I.C. & MODIFIED TUBES INCLUDED, MINT BORES, 14 1/2″ LENGTH OF PULL OVER FACTORY BERETTA THIN RECOIL PAD, TIGHT ACTION WITH LEVER RIGHT OF CENTER, 98% OVERALL. Price: $1,550

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

Auction alert: 20 gauge Woodward OU shotgun…

April 14, 2018April 11, 2018 by Gregg

J. WOODWARD & SONS A FINE 20-BORE OVER AND UNDER EJECTOR GUN, NO. 6733

The shotgun you see here is a dream-double for a lot of guys. This 20 gauge Woodward Over-Under shotgun is one of the world’s rarest shotguns. If you have to have it, you can bid on it in Gavin Gardiner’s 4/18/18 auction.

James Woodward & Sons introduced their version of an OU shotgun in 1913 and built them until the company was acquired by James Purdey & Sons in 1949.

Before 1949, James Woodward & Sons built fewer than four hundred OUs. Of those, sixty or so were 20 gauges.

Gavin Gardiner’s Top Guns | James Woodward & Sons 20-Bore Over and Under Ejector Gun

PT 2: Woodward’s first & second type Over Under shotguns…

April 7, 2017April 7, 2017 by Gregg

James Woodward & Sons #6664, second type Over Under, 1923

A few weeks ago, I put up this post about James Woodward & Son’s first type over-under shotgun. Now that my life has slowed down a bit (sorry for being aways for so long), lets talk about how these first-type OUs evolved into the later model.

Woodward patented their OU in 1913. In all, they built around 300 of these guns before the company was bought by James Purdey & Sons in 1948.

Around 1922, James Woodward & Sons completed OU #6640, a lightweight 12 bore noted by them as having their “new type action and ejectors.” Woodward OUs with these new features are what I’m calling the “Type 2” guns.

A great example of a Type-2 gun is shown here, Woodward OU #6664 from 1923. From what I can see, Woodward two significant changes on these:

The design of the ejectorwork was modified and all the components were moved into the forend.
They altered the flats on the barrels and the corresponding areas in the action.

Why did Woodward made these upgrades? I would say they were done to improve the cocking, ejecting & reliability of these guns.

Wow – looks at this 12 gauge Woodward…

December 16, 2016 by Gregg

James Woodward 12 gauge Sidelock SxS Double Barrel Shotgun

I’ve been looking at old shotguns for twenty + years now, and the one thing I still love to see more than ever is original color-case hardening, especially when it has had decades to mellow and age.

This 12 gauge sidelock by James Woodward and Sons has tons of that kind of color. It also has killer engraving and all of Woodward’s signature features — 29″ barrels, arcaded fences (kind of like claw-foot pedestals), and a T-shaped safety.

James Woodward started out in the trade around 1825 with an apprenticeship with the London gunmaker Charles Moore. In 1872, he went into business as James Woodward & Sons with his two boys, James Jr. and Charles. The firm lasted until 1948 when it was sold to James Purdey & Sons.

Up until its sale, Woodward recorded 5,184 serial numbers (they started with #2,000 and ran to #7,184). So they may have made 5,184 guns. (Or, if they assigned serial #s to extra barrels and new sets of barrels, fewer than that.) Of these, I bet fewer than 2,000 are fully refined, hammerless SxSs shotguns like the one here. That’s not a lot guns. Considering they’re all 70+ years old, finding ones in excellent original condition like this are hard to do.

JAMES WOODWARD & SONS BEST SXS 12 GAUGE: THIS IS THE HIGHEST CONDITION WOODWARD WE HAVE EVER HAD #69XX 28″ 004 AND 017 2 3/4 PROOFED DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM PISTOL GRIP MAKERS CASE EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION 6LBS 12 OZ X 2 1/4 X 1 7/16 X 15 1/8 Price: $39,500

Best of the best: a 12 gauge Ogden Smiths & Hussey Imperial Ejector O/U…

August 18, 2016August 17, 2016 by Gregg

Here’s an incredible over under. It’s an all original, nearly new Ogden Smiths & Hussey Imperial Ejector from around 1930. It’s in its original case and it comes with all its original accessories. Double triggers. Straight grip. All that color case hardening. Holy sh!t is right.

Ogden Smiths was a fishing tackle company at 62 St. James St. in London’s prestigious West End. In 1923, the company reformed with the addition of gunmaker Henry H. Hussey (son of famed gunmaker H.J. Hussey) to sell guns under the name Ogden Smiths & Hussey, Ltd. Even though this partnership lasted until 1933, very little is known about the guns they made. We do know that Hussey built firearms of different styles and qualities, including single-barrel trap guns, Anson & Deeley boxlocks and best-quality, SxSs.

This OU has 1925-1954 London proofmarks on it. It’s the second I’ve seen with the Ogden Smiths & Hussey name on it, and I think there are at least two more out there, including one that may be a 16 gauge.

All these OUs were probably built for Ogden Smiths & Hussey by the Hill family. Charles Hill was one of the creators of the James Woodward-patent Under & Over shotgun. After helping Woodward come up with the design for their famous shotgun, he built similar doubles for other gunmakers. When he died, the Hill family carried on this work and built OUs for firms like Henry Atkin, Churchill, and Ogden Smiths & Hussey.

BTW: If you have an Ogden Smiths & Hussey shotgun, case, accessories, or catalog, or if you know anything about the company, please drop me an email: Gregg@DogsandDoubles.com.

I would love to hear about them. And I would like to thank author John Newton for some of the information in this post.

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

March 6, 2016March 5, 2016 by Gregg

Symes & Wright, London, Best Quality 20 bore Sidelock Purdey-style OU Shotgun: 28″ barrels, stippled solid rib, 2-34″ chambers choked improved cylinder and modified (.009/.016). Based on a Purdey-Woodward patent, the finely sculpted rounded bar action is engraved in the finest rose and scroll with vivid case colors. Single trigger. Highly figured French walnut pistol grip stock with black and gold highlights measures 13-3/4″ to a checkered butt. Symes & Wright, the partnership of two very successful Purdey craftsmen, produced only the finest London guns. The Firm consisted of some of the most talented artisans in the British gun trade. A boutique maker, they built only a limited number of guns to the highest standard. This 20 bore over/under illustrates the high level of craftsmanship and style which was the hallmark of Symes & Wright. Weighs 6 lbs, 7 oz. Complete with fitted oak and leather case, a London Best. Price: $65,000

James Purdey double rifle in .303 British – In superb condition in its makers oak & leather case Exquisite!: Ever have a “Wow” moment? I sure did when I lifted the lid of the case and beheld this stunning double rifle from 1899 with almost all its case color on its locks and its stunning marble cake wood. Built in the waning days of the Victorian era (The blessed queen died in 1901) James Purdey was then what I consider at the pinnacle of their gun craft. This beautiful double rifle is a physical testament to the craftsman and company that is still today setting the standard to compare other gun makers. Small bore English double rifles in usable calibers are quite rare. This rifle is in superb condition with an excellent bore. .303 is readily available and is not considered obsolete, in fact being recorded by many to be an excellent caliber for North American big game. This rifle features the Beasley patent self-opening mechanism. The next owner of this rifle is a very lucky man or woman and will not only have an excellent investment but a work of art and craftsmanship from the golden age of English gunmaking. Price: $48,000

Phillipson & Nephew 12g SxS Sidelock Ejector: Stunning 12g sidelock ejector shotgun made by Phillipson & Nephew of Birmingham. Famous for making and supplying the majority of the trade with actions, they made a few guns under their own name which were always extremely well made, high end guns. This gun features 30″ barrels, beautifully engraved sidelocks with game scene surrounded in scroll retaining some case colour, double triggers, handsome and highly figured walnut stock measuring 14 3/8″ to centre. Cased with accessories in a leather case. A chance to acquire a very attractive, rare gun in excellent condition. Price: $11,995

L. C. SMITH – LONG RANGE 12 GA. 32″ BARRELS FULL/FULL – 99% COND: 3″ CHAMBERS -PISTOL GRIP STOCK LOP 14 1/6″ – DROPS 1 9/16″ X 2 5/8″ – CASE COLORS 95% – BLUEING 99% – WOOD 98% – GUNS APPEARS TO BE ALL ORIGINAL. HARD TO FIND ANY SMITH WITH THIS MUCH ORIGINAL CONDITION, MUCH LESS A LONG RANGE 3″ GUN. Price: $4,800

BERETTA – SO2 – Sidelock Over Under — 27-1/2 Bbls – Double Triggers: 2-3/4″, 27-1/2″ IC / LM (.007 / .011) Boehler Steel Bbls, LOP 14-1/2″ Drop 1-1/2″ to 2-7/16″, Weight 6 lbs. 15 oz. Somone has added a wood butt spacer and fitted a Beretta butt plate. Very nice work. The stock is 13-7/8″ without the extension. So, remove the extension and add a pad and the stock will go almost 15″ with a standard 1″ pad. Price: $3950

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

February 14, 2016 by Gregg

JAMES WOODWARD & SON BEST SXS, SIDELOCK, 12 GAUGE: 26″ BARRELS, LM/F (.016″/.044″) CHOKED – DOUBLE TRIGGERS – AUTO EJECTORS – SPLINTER FOREND – ENGLISH WALNUT TRADEMARK WOODWARD STYLE PISTOL GRIP STOCK – HAND CHECKERED HORN BUTT – SOLID GAME RIB – FULL COVERAGE ROSETTE BOUQUET & MINIATURE SCROLL ENGRAVING ON COLOR CASE HARDENED RECEIVER – ARCADED FENCES – EXCELLENT CONDITION – STRONG CASE COLOR REMAINING – 1927 MANUFACTURE – LEATHER CASE INCLUDED. 6 LBS. 1 OZ. 14 3/8″ X 1 5/8″ X 2 3/4″. Price: $45,000

Charles Daly Prussian 12ga. Linder Diamond Quality Featherweight SXS: Wonderful Prussian Proofed Super Light Linder Daly. This 12ga. Diamond Quality featherweight weighs in at 5.6lbs. Auto ejectors, doub. triggers, LOP 14 3/8″ to leather covered pad, DAC 1 1/2″ DAH 2″, 26″ barrels have chokes of R. .026 (full) and L. .000 (Cyl.) and orig. 2 9/16″ chambers with a bore dimension of .721 which corresponds with the water table marks of 13/1
Condition: This shotgun has had very little use and retains a high degree of original finish overall. The breech face retains nearly all of it’s case colors showing few rounds were fired and the remainder of the receiver retains 60-70% orig CC. Barrels retain nearly all their original blue. The barrels are on face with a tight lock-up tight ejectors and proper timing. Price: $9800

Verees & Co. 28ga. 28" auto-ejector, built by Lebeau Courally 1954 — Verees & Co. 28ga. 28″ auto-ejector, built by Lebeau Courally 1954

Verees & Co. Side-by-Side 28ga. 28″ auto-ejector, built by Lebeau Courally 1954: Chokes F-F (.028) Doub. Trig., LOP 14 1/4″ to Silvers type pad, DAC 1 3/8″ DAH 2″ Beaver tail FE
Condition: nearly unfired with strong case color and blue. Price: $4750

PARKER REPRODUCTION 12 GA DOUBLE TRIGGER LONG LOP: Pistol Grip Stock and Splinter Forend, 26″ Barrels Ic/Mod, DAC 1 3/8″ DAH 2 3/8″ 14 3/4″ LOP, 6 lbs.8 oz. Outstanding American Walnut. Excellent used condition – 50% CC, 99% Blue, 99% Wood and Finish, No Dents, Cracks or Scratches. Very few minor handling and hunting marks. Comes with Factory Leather Takedown Case, Canvas and Leather Case Cover, Keys and Snapcaps. Price: $3750

J. P. Sauer SxS Boxlock Shotgun in 12 Gauge: Extractor model with auto safety. Very Clean. Price: $1,199.99
Chambers: 2 3/4 Inch
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: Few light handling marks
Bore Condition: Bright
Barrels: 28 Inch
Triggers: Double Trigger
Stock: Straight Grip Walnut Stock
Stock Dimensions: 14 1/4″ LOP
Fore End: Splinter
Butt Pad: Sauer Plate
Weight: 6 Lbs 11 Ozs
Sights: Matted Rib with Metal Bead
Chokes: Full/Full

Holy handwork! Shaping up the action on a Purdey-style O/U…

December 29, 2015 by Gregg

Richard Barnes is a Purdey-trained action maker who has also worked for Boss & Co., Holland & Holland, and top makers in the UK and Italy.

Today, he builds guns under his own name, and in this video I think he’s shaping up the action on a Purdey/Woodward-style sidelock OU. In today’s CNC/computer-driven age, it’s amazing to see how much handwork Barnes uses to give the action it’s shapes and contours.

What the heck? A James Woodward SxS with a Purdey thumbhole?

June 11, 2015June 10, 2015 by Gregg

12g James Woodward & Son SxS Shotgun with a Purdey-patent thumbhole underlver — 12g James Woodward & Son SxS Shotgun with a Purdey-patent thumbhole snap action

Here’s something unsual: A hammerless 12g James Woodward & Sons side-by-side shotgun with a second-pattern James Purdey & Sons thumbhole lever. Very odd.

This Woodward looks like it’s right around the turn of the 19th century. In it’s day, the action was pretty current technology. But the mechanism that opens it — the Purdey thumbhole lever — is from an earlier generation of gunmaking.

James Purdey & Sons introduced it’s second-pattern thumbhole in the late 1860s. It was a refined version of the company’s first patent thumbhole, introduced in 1863 to go along with Purdey’s new double-bite bolt. By the mid 1870s, Purdey started transitioning to the toplever/Scott spindle setup on its hammerguns, and then it went to that system on almost all it’s shotguns by the the 1880s.

So what is this old fashion design doing with younger Woodward? I guess whoever ordered the gun wanted it there. Perhaps they were familiar with the system and wanted to stick with it on their new shotgun. And if that’s what the customer wanted (and could pay for) that’s what Woodward would have done.

I’ve been thinking about this Woodward O/U for 15 years…

December 8, 2014December 8, 2014 by Gregg

JAMES WOODWARD & SONS Best Quality SLE O/U O/U 16 GA

I used to work at one of the finest gunshops in the world – New England Arms of Kittery Point, ME. While I was there, I came across a lot of nice doubles – Purdeys, Holland & Hollands, Fabbris, Flli Rizzinis, etc.

Of all them, two stuck in my head as being far above all the others. One was a 16g Boss O/U we sold to a client in Austin, TX. It was the Boss over-under I ever handled and one of the most beautiful shotgun I had ever encountered. That gun is one reason I’ve been obsessed with Boss shotguns ever since.

The other shotgun I remember from back then is this 16g Woodward O/U. This double came to auction in May of 1999, and I bid on it on behalf of the shop. We didn’t get it, and I’ve thought a lot about it ever since. I still have the original auction catalog, and I’ve kept an eye out for shotgun, sure that it would pop up on the market again sooner or later. Fifteen years later, here it is.

James Woodward & Sons patented their over-under in 1913 – four years after Boss & Co invented the low-profile O/U. Woodward made around three hundred over-unders in all and just a handful were 16s.

JAMES WOODWARD & SONS Best Quality SLE O/U O/U 16 GA

16 gauge James Woodward & Sons Over-Under #6680 — Auction catalog listing for 16g Woodward O/U #6680

Serial # 6680
Barrel Length 28″
Choke M
Choke 2 IM
Trigger DT (Double)
Stock Straight Grip
Foream
Rib Solid rib
Receiver Finish Casehardened Receiver
Engraving Type Fine Scroll & Rosette Engraving
Other Options original maker’s leather case with accessories, Leather covered pad, Lots of provenance
Condition EXC. Plus Condition
Weight Description 6#7oz
Description 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 14 3/4 with 1/8 cast off
Other Details Mfg 1923, A super rare, super nice gun

Price: $85,000

Best vs. Best: Comparing SxSs by Boss & Co. & J. Woodward & Sons…

September 30, 2014 by Gregg

12 gauge Boss & Co. SxS shotgun, late 1920s

In the world of fine shotguns, a Best-quality double is just that: The very best side-by-side or over-under a company could make (or in some cases, the best one they retailed). Best guns were top-of-the-line, and top gunmakers made their best guns in special ways. This was called the “House Style”, and it was applied to the entire gun, from the engraving pattern and the shaping to the action, metalwork, and stock.

The side-by-sides you see here are Best-guns by Boss & Co. and James Woodward & Sons. The Boss is 12g made the later 1920s. The Woodward is a 16g. I think it’s from the 1930s. Even though these doubles have a lot in common, they are very different guns. Look closely and you’ll see what sets them apart.

Top: 12g Boss & Co, Bottom: 16g J. Woodward & Sons

Top: 12g Boss & Co, Middle: 16g J. Woodward & Sons, Bottom: 20g Boss & Co.

Seriously nice: a super rare 12g Henry Atkin O/U shotgun…

July 22, 2014 by Gregg

12 bore Henry Atkin over and under sidelock ejector circa 1925

The London gun trade has always been a bespoke business. If you wanted it and could pay for it, a gunmaker would build it for you — or in the case of the Henry Atkin O/U you see here, the gunmaker would find someone else to build it for you.

Henry Atkin started in the gun trade in 1848 as an apprentice at Purdeys. Around 1875, he was building shotguns in his own name, and he did so until his death in 1907. His firm continued on until it was absorbed by Atkin, Grant & Lang in 1960. Even though Henry Atkin was a talented gunmaker, he never developed a design for an over-under shotgun. After he died, his company continued their focus on side-by-side shotguns. So in 1925 when one of their customers wanted an O/U, Atkin turned to another team of gunmakers and had them build the gun instead. I’m 99% certain this team was the Hill family.

Charles Hill played a major role in creating the over-under shotgun James Woodward & Sons patented in 1913. Unfortunately, he received little credit for his contributions (or not as much as he though he should). So Mr Hill left Woodward and started turning out Woodward-style O/Us for other makers.

Up until the WW2, the Hills turned out twenty or so Woodward-style O/Us for other makers. I’ve seen one other Atkin O/U – #3217 (believed to be the only Atkin-Woodward-style O/U until #2680 popped up). I’ve also seen Hill-made, Woodward-style over-unders with E.J. Churchill’s name on them and the Ogden, Smith & Hussey name on them.

12 bore Henry Atkin over and under sidelock ejector circa 1925: #2680. Twenty eight inch original fluid steel barrels with solid file cut top rib, choked quarter quarter and chambered for two and a half inch cartridges. The action is of “James Woodward” patent, fully engraved with “Henry Atkin” bouquet and scroll pattern, retaining full original colour and finish with double triggers. The stock measures fourteen and seven eighths with no extension, cast slightly for a right hander with a strait hand grip. Gun is presented in original maker’s oak and leather case with accessories. Price: £49,995

On Ebay now: Genuine James Woodward & Sons shotgun cases…

May 17, 2014May 17, 2014 by Gregg

Original label on the James Woodward & Sons oak & leather Over Under Shotgun Case

Own a best-quality British shotgun? Here’s the perfect place to store it. The rare James Woodward & Sons shotgun cases below are on Ebay now. Both are being offered at No Reserve.

Brady and other companies in the UK built cases like these for Woodward, Westley Richards, Purdey, and other makers. When a customer ordered a gun, the case was optional (so were the accessories). Most makers offered cases in different qualities. Oak & Leathers were the best, the most expensive, and the most durable. They were also the heaviest. The all-leather cases were rugged, but a bit smaller and several pounds lighter.

The cases you see here are in great shape, and because they include their original labels and some of their original Woodward accessories, both are incredible finds.

ON EBAY NOW: Genuine James Woodward & Sons Oak & Leather O/U Shotgun Case — NO RESERVE!

Original James Woodward & Sons oak & leather Over Under Shotgun Case

ON EBAY NOW: Genuine James Woodward & Sons Leather O/U Shotgun Case — NO RESERVE!

Original James Woodward & Sons Leather Over Under Shotgun Case

Wow: $3,000 for a 20 gauge J. Woodward sidelock SxS shotgun…

April 17, 2014 by Gregg

J. Woodward & Sons, English "Best Gun", 20 gauge, 28 inch barrels — J. Woodward & Sons, English “Best Gun”, 20 gauge, 28 inch barrels

No — that’s not a typo, and the price shown is not missing a zero. Here’s is a 20 gauge James Woodward & Son sidelock side-by-side shotgun for just $3,000. But of course there’s a catch: this double barrel is missing its forend.

This gun was made around 1896. For some reason, it looks like it was proofed for nitro loads a few years later. James Woodward was in business from 1874 to 1948. In all, they made around 4500 or so guns — far fewer than Boss, Purdey, or Holland & Holland. Twenty-gauge, best-quality side-by-side Woodwards are rare. The last one I saw sold for a around $40,000, and a decent one could easily bring $50,000+ today.

Three thousand dollars isn’t a bad price for this one. Building a new forend will be expensive, but it is doable — especially if the barrels are sound and the rest of the gun is in good shape. But because the seller has listed the gun “as is,” you won’t know if restoring it is an option until after you own you own the gun. And if the barrels are bad, you’ll have spent $3000 on a paperweight, some firewood, and a fancy stake for a tomato plant.

So are you feeling lucky?

J. Woodward & Sons, English “Best Gun”, 20 gauge, 28 inch barrels: Being sold as a “parts gun” as it is missing a complete forend. Without the forend, it will not cock. Butt stock has been shortened and added to. Bore is shiny without evident pits. Right barrel on underside has small ding/dent, felt when running hand up and down. No evident pits on metal. Purdey and other English gun makers have been contacted for an appraisal as to restoring gun to shooting condition. Estimates have been as high as $31K. U.S gunmakers contacted have not been willing to undertake project. Gun closes tightly and is not loose in any part. Receiver metal has light patina. C&R/FFL needed. No sale to CA. Ask any and all questions. More photos can be asked for. Seller has given up hope of restoring as restoration cost may exceed value of finished gun.

They cost how much? Check out this 1965 Holland & Holland new & used gun catalog…

April 10, 2014 by Gregg

1965 Holland & Holland Sporting Guns & Rifles Catalog

Value is something I always think about when I’m looking at old guns. Is this Purdey a good value? What about this Parker? Which ones will people want 20 years from now? Which will fall out of favor? To understand stuff like this, I collect old gun catalogs – especially ones with price lists in them.

The catalog you see was an especially nice find for me. It’s a Holland & Holland New & Used Gun Catalog from the Spring of 1965. It’s full of ton of useful info: prices, lots of different guns from different makers, etc. More importantly, because this catalog was shipped to customers in the UK and the US there’s a key paragraph inside which unlocks the British £ to US $ conversion mystery:

“As an indication of your approximate total delivered costs including duty you may multiply the price of the weapon in £’s in London by 3.5. For example, a gun offered at £100 will cost you about $350, all charges and duties paid”

So what did a brand new, 12 gauge sidelock Holland & Holland Royal cost in 1965? £650 pounds, or $2,275 (that’s without a case or accessories). A 12 gauge H&H Northwoods boxlock was £200 or $700. New H&H Rifles were more expensive. A .470 Royal cost £985 ($3,447.50) with case and tools. It punished you with more than just recoil.

As for used guns, decent 12 gauge Royals were £375 – £425. A 12 gauge Purdey with new barrels by the maker was £500. The most expensive used guns are both O/Us: an early and super rare 12g H&H (#36000) and a 12g Woodward. Both are £950.

As for bargains, I spotted two. One was a cased Edwinson Green 12g Best-quality sidelock for £285. I’ve seen a few of these and they are fabulous – equal to a London Best. Then there’s a 16g Szulovsky sidelock for just £130. I’ve never seen or heard of a Szulovsky, but I bet it was a very fine gun.

To make sense of the prices, here’s are some figures from 1965: a basic Rolex Submariner was around $230, a Corvette Fastback Coupe was $3947 from the factory , the typical American home sold for $19,900, and the median American family income was $6,900. A new Rolls Royce Silver Shadow was £6,557.

Today, a brand new 12 gauge Holland & Holland SxS Royal costs $118,000. A stainless Rolex Sub runs $8,000, a new 2014 Corvette Stingray costs $54,950, the typical American house sells for around $213,000, and the median family income is $51,000. And a new Rolls Royce Wraith is $379,000.

And what about that H&H Royal from the mid 1965? In excellent original condition, here’s about it’s worth today:

HOLLAND & HOLLAND (A&F) MODEL SIDELOCK SIDE BY SIDE SHOTGUN

Maybe the only one: a Best-quality 28 gauge Woodward SxS shotgun…

October 31, 2013 by Gregg

JAMES WOODWARD BEST PRE-WAR SXS 28 GAUGE Double Barrel

The side-by-side shotgun you see here is probably one of kind. It’s a Best-quality 28 gauge made by James Woodward & Sons, London, in 1940

Woodward started making guns in 1874 and ceased in 1948 when they sold their business to James Purdey & Sons. In the seventy-six years they made firearms, two of their most important patents were for the Woodward Automatic – a gun that cocked “automatically” when it was opened – and the Woodward Over Under.

This 28 gauge SxS was made on Woodward’s later hammerless design. It’s a pretty standard barrel-cocker, meaning the action uses the leverage of the dropping barrels to cock the hammers.

To my eye, it looks like it has been refinished. I wonder if it has been restocked, too? Either way, it’s probably the only one in the world like made by Woodward.

Here’s more about it from the seller:

JAMES WOODWARD BEST PRE WAR SXS 28 GAUGE: POSSIBLY THE ONLY 28 GAUGE SXS THAT WOODWARD MADE 26″ 022 AND 028 2 3/4 DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP CHECKERED BUTT NEW CONDITION MAKERS MOTOR CASE 5LBS 1 OZ X 2 1/2 X 1 1/2 X 14 7/8. Price : $99,500.00