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LOT 1490
Factory Engraved Pair of E. J. Churchill Field Model
Sidelock Double Barrel Shotguns with Factory Letter and Case
-A) E. J. Churchill Sidelock Shotgun - Serial no. 4241, 12 gauge, 28 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Each gun in this fine pair was
built with a set of blued steel barrels featuring a single nickel bead sight on the narrow matted solid
rib which is marked with a gold “1” or “2”, single band of engraving at the breech, “E. J. CHURCHILL (GUNMAKERS) Ltd”
and “ORANGE St. GUNWORKS. LEICESTER SQUARE. LONDON.” on the right and left tube respectively, import mark under forend, and period London proofs showing 2 1/2 inch chambers with
automatic ejectors. The barrels of each gun are fitted to a handsome
casehardened sidelock action which displays attractive bouquet and
scroll engraving surrounding “E. J. CHURCHILL” signatures on either lockplate and “THE FIELD/XXV (in gold)/MODEL” on the underside before
continuing on the triggerguard, both tangs, and the toplever which also shows a gold “1”
or “2” respectively. The guns both feature double triggers and an automatic tang mounted safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Both guns are mounted with a nicely figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the Anson button release which
is marked with a gold “1” or “2” and a straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points,
silver inscription ovals marked “A.F.T.”, and hard rubber buttplates. Included with the guns is
a factory letter stating that the pair was completed in 1929 with 28 inch barrels, 2 1/2 inch chambers, and was a Field grade sidelock, it also lists the stock dimensions, Vulcanite (hard rubber) buttplate, and silver initial ovals. Also included is a leather bound motor case that houses both guns. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from
the breech both proofed at “12” (.729 inches) and measured .733 inches; choke constriction .010/.025 inches; minimum wall thickness .033/.033 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 7/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 2 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, retaining 98% original blue finish on the barrels, some faint traces of case colors on the action with the balance an attractive silver, light handling evidence, some small dings and scratches in the wood, and slightly smoothed but well-defined checkering on the stock and forend. The case is very good. Mechanically excellent.
B) E. J. Churchill Sidelock Shotgun - Serial no. 4242, 12 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. As described in “A”. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at
“12” (.729 inches) and measured .730 inches; choke constriction .006/.021 inches; minimum wall thickness .028/.030 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2
1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 7/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 2 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 97% original blue finish on the barrels,strong traces of original case colors in the protected areas with the balance a
fine silver patina, and overall mild handling evidence. The wood is very good with some dings and scratches, some spots of thinned varnish, and worn but defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. A great chance to own a pair of English double guns!
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
LOT 1491
Factory Engraved Lincoln Jeffries 28 Gauge Boxlock Double Barrel Shotgun with Case - Serial no. 4120, 28 gauge, 27 1/16 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Built with blued steel barrels featuring a single brass bead
sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is
marked “’EXQUISITE GUN’ LINCOLN JEFFRIES (in
gold) LINCOLN WORKS” along with flourishes of scroll, single band of engraving at either breech, “BIRMINGHAM” and “ENGLAND” on the right and left tubes
respectively, import mark under forend, and period Birmingham proofs on the flats showing 2 1/2 inch
chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to a casehardened bolstered boxlock action with displays light engraving at the edges and features dual triggers and a manual tang mounted safety. Mounted with a nicely figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend and round knob pistol grip
stock with teardrop carved drop points, blank inscription oval, and a serrated horn buttplate. Includes a modern
oak & leather takedown case with cleaning tools, nickel oiler, and a pair of snap caps. Stock measurements: 1 5/16 inch drop at comb; 1 7/8 inch drop at heel; 14 3/16 inch length of pull; weight 4 lbs. 10 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 98% reapplied blue finish, 30% original case colors with the balance a fine grey, light handling evidence, and some minor oxidation on the rib. The refinished wood is fine with some chipping around the tangs, some dings and scratches, and slightly smooth but defined checkering. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
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