Page 372 - 4095-BOOK3

370
LOT 3508
Pair of Factory Engraved E. J. Churchill XXV Utility Easy Opening
Model Double Barrel Shotguns -A) E. J. Churchill Utility Easy Opening Model
Shotgun - Serial no. 5529, 12 gauge, 25 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
walnut stock. The pair was completed circa 1937 according to page 104 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers
Volume One: London”. Each gun was built with blued steel barrels featuring a single bead sight on the narrow matted flat
solid rib which is marked with a gold “XXV” and “1” or “2” at the base, single band of engraving at the breech, maker’s signature and
address on the right and left tube respectively, import mark under the forend, two sets of London proof marks, and 2 1/2 inch chambers
with ejectors. The barrels of each gun are fitted to an assisted-opening boxlock action which displays highly attractive foliate scroll engraving
surrounding “E. J. CHURCHILL” signature banners on either side along with “UTILITY/EASY/OPENING MODEL” on the underside. The scroll then continues
onto the trigger guard, both tangs, and the toplever which shows a gold inlaid “1” or “2”. Each gun features double triggers and a tang mounted
automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. The guns are both fitted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered forend with engraved iron and
an Anson button release inlaid with a gold “1” or “2” as well as a straight hand stock with a Silver’s type recoil pad. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L):
bore diameter nine inches from the breech proofed at .729 inches and measured .733/.731 inches; choke constriction .010/.015 inches; minimum wall
thickness .027/.027 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 9/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 1 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine overall as professionally restored, retaining 98% blue finish, strong traces of case colors with the balance a fine silver patina, light
handling evidence, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. B) E. J. Churchill Utility Easy Opening Model Shotgun -
Serial no. 5530, 12 gauge, 25 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 proofed at .729 inches and measured .731/.731 inches; choke constriction .009/.016 inches; minimum wall thickness .027/.026 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop
at heel; 14 9/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs.
CONDITION: Very fine overall as professionally restored, retaining 98% blue finish, 70% case colors with the balance a fine silver, minor handling evidence, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3507
Factory Engraved John Dickson & Son Boxlock Double
Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. 7620-1, 12 gauge, 27 inch solid rib bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Built with a single bead sight on the smooth
concave solid rib which is signed “JOHN DICKSON & SON, EDINBURGH”, light engraving at the breech, 1962 dated
Birmingham proof marks, import mark under forend, choke constrictions of .008/.012 inches, and 2 3/4 inch chambers
with ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened boxlock action which displays attractive scroll engraving surrounding
“JOHN DICKSON & SON” banners on either side and features dual triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety. The gun is fitted with
nicely flame figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend and a straight hand stock with blank inscription oval and red rubber recoil pad.
Stock measurements: 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 7/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 11 oz.
CONDITION: Very good overall, retaining 90% reapplied blue finish which has turned a brown/plum hue, 70% original case colors with the balance a fine silver, some spotting, light handling evidence,
some dings and scratches on the stock, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,500
LOT 3506
Factory Engraved Charles Hellis & Sons
Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. 5355, 12 gauge, 30 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured
circa 1950 according to Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London”. Built with
blued steel barrels featuring a single bead sight on the matted flat solid rib, CHARLES HELLIS & SONS Ltd”
and 121-3 EDGWARE Rd LONDON. ENGLAND.” marked on the right and left tubes respectively, light engraving
at the breech, import mark under forend, period London nitro proof marks, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with ejectors.
The barrels are fitted to the casehardened sidelock action which displays near full coverage scroll engraving encompassing “C.
HELLIS & SONS Ltd.” banners on either lockplate. The gun features double triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety. The gun is fitted
with a nicely figured and multi-point checkered forend with engraved iron and an Anson button release as well as a semi-pistol grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, a blank inscription
oval, and a checkered bare butt. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both and measured proofed at “12” (.729 inches); choke constriction .008/.030
inches; minimum wall thickness .027/.028 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 15/16 inch length of pull; slight cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 15 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, retaining 95% original blue finish, 90% original case colors, much of the blue loss on the lower tang, light handling evidence, some minor spotting, some thinning of
the varnish in areas, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000