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LOT 490
Pair of Factory Engraved E. J. Churchill Premiere Finest Quality Assisted-Opening Sidelock Double Barrel Shotguns with Case -A) E. J. Churchill Shotgun - Serial no. 6691, 12 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. A pair of fine English doubles is a must in any sporting arms collection and this fine pair checks all of the boxes. The pair was manufactured between 1955 and 1960 according to page 104 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London”. Each gun is built with blued steel chopperlump
barrels with a single brass bead sight on the narrow matted solid rib which is marked with a gold “1” or “2” at the base, Orange St. address on left tube, wedges of floral scroll engraving at either breech, import mark on the left tube below the forend, and London proof marks on the flats indicating the 2 1/2 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to highly attractive casehardened assisted-opening sidelock actions displaying fantastic full coverage floral scroll engraving with matting in the background for contrast. The scroll surrounds “E. J. CHURCHILL” signatures on either lockplate and “PREMIERE/FINEST/QUALITY” on the underside before extending onto the toplever which also bears a gold “1” or “2”, the triggerguard, and both tangs. The engraving is unsigned indicating that it was done by the highly skilled in house engravers at Churchill. Each gun features gold centerline cocking indicators, double rolled triggerguard, dual triggers, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Both guns have a gorgeous well-figured and multi-point checkered forend with engraved blue fittings and a gold inlaid “1” or “2” on the Anson button release and a straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, blank gold inscription oval, and a checkered bare butt. Included is an oak and leather takedown case with factory trade label and two sets of nickel snap caps. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at “12” (.729 inches) and measured at .737/.735 inches; choke constriction .022/.021 inches; minimum wall thickness .027/.027 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 1 7/8 inch drop at heel; cast-off; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 6 oz.