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Marked English Boxlock Double Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. 5548, 12 gauge, 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Blued steel barrels with a single steel bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is marked “OWEN. SAUQUOIT.”, Birmingham proofs, bands of engraving at either breech, a flourish of scroll at the base of the rib, and 1 1/8 oz (2 1/2 inch) chambers with automatic ejectors. The casehardened scalloped boxlock
LOT 3402
Scarce Factory Engraved R. G. Owen Retailer
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action displays beautiful arcaded fences and near full coverage floral scroll engraving surrounding “OWEN”
marked on either side of the action. The scroll engraving extends onto the trigger guard, both tangs, and the toplever. The gun features double triggers and
a tang mounted automatic safety switch with silver inlaid “SAFE”. Nicely figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings, including the Anson button release, and straight grip stock with
checkered teardrop carved flats, blank inscription oval, and thick serrated horn buttplate. Robert Owen operated as a retailer and custom rifle builder out of Sauquoit, NY in the 1920s and later went on to work at Winchester’s custom department as well as building the Model 21 Try- Gun for use by the famous retailer Abercrombie & Fitch. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 13/1 (.719 inches) and measured at .735/.733 inches; choke constriction .008/.023 inches; minimum wall thickness .029/.029 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 3/8 inch drop at heel; 14 1/16 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs 4 oz. CONDITION: Very fine overall, retaining 98% original blue finish on the barrels and floorplate, traces of original blue on the trigger guard, and 40% original case colors with the balance turning a brown patina and light handling evidence. The wood is also very fine with some pressure dents and scratches, repaired chip on the toe of the slightly loose buttplate, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000
LOT 3403
Rare Engraved Watson Bros. 20 Bore Double Barrel Boxlock Ejector Shot and Ball Shotgun with Case and Extra Set of Shotgun Barrels - Serial no. 7571, 20 gauge, 28 inch bbl., blue/bright finish, walnut stock. According to the makers records, this rare small gauge shotgun was completed in 1912. The 28 inch smoothbore shot and ball barrels have 2 3⁄4 inch chambers and are proofed for a 510 grain bullet whilst the extra 28 inch shotgun barrels have 3 inch chambers. Both sets of barrels are blued and with matted rib with bead front sight, each tube is engraved with a band of stylised foliage at the breech end, both are import marked on the under rib below the forearm, and respectively signed “WATSON BROS. GUN MAKERS” and “13, PALL MALL. LONDON”. The shotgun barrels do not have a visible serial number but have a factory bench number “TH18911” on the under-rib behind the barrel loop. Bright treble grip action signed “WATSON BROS.” on each side, and with blued toplever, automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”, blued cover plate engraved “PATENT EJECTOR” and blued trigger guard. Engraved with fine deep cut scrollwork throughout. Very well figured straight hand stock with checkered ebonite butt-plate, checkered grip and forearm, the latter with Anson push button release, and the underside of the butt with blank gold oval initial escutcheon. London nitro reproof marks to the shot and ball barrels, Birmingham nitro reproof marks to the shot only barrels. In fitted brass cornered canvas and leather case lined in red baize with a cleaning rod and a glass oiler, the lid with printed Watson Bros. trade label. The exterior is named to “JAMES MILNES”. Barrel measurements for the extra (shotgun only) barrels (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both reproved at .615 and measured at .619/.620 inches; choke constriction .029/.028 inches; minimum wall thickness .028/.028 inches. Barrel measurements for the primary (shot & ball) set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both reproved at .626 and measured at .630/.630 inches; choke constriction .007/.004 inches; minimum wall thickness .030/.034 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 5/16 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs 4 oz. CONDITION: Very good. The barrels retain near 100% reblued finish with slightly softened barrel signatures. Action with crisp engraving against a matted background, the toplever, cover plate and trigger guard each with near 100% reblued finish. Very attractive figured pattern to the stock, the checkering is well defined and minor age related storage and handling blemishes and bruising throughout. Mechanically excellent. The second set of barrels are in very good condition. The case is in very good partially renovated condition with some of the leather edges replaced along with the straps and handle. The interior has been relined, some wear and staining to the trade label. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection. Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000