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LOT 3536
Very Fine Antique Engraved & Gold Inlaid John F. White
8 Bore Double Barrel Rotary-Underlever
Hammer Duck Shotgun - Serial no. 10242, 8 gauge, 33 1/4 inch solid
rib bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. John Frederick White
is recorded as a gunmaker in Woodbridge, Suffolk, from circa 1883 until circa 1886. With blued barrels each engraved with a band of running
stylized foliage at the breech end and with concave rib with doll’s head extension, bead front sight, signed “JOHN F. WHITE. MAKER WOODBRIDGE
SUFFOLK” in gold and engraved with two sprays of scrollwork. London “Not For Ball” black powder proof marks and nitro reproof marks.
Casehardened action with carved percussion fences and gold inlaid border lines, casehardened rebounding back action locks each signed “JOHN F. WHITE” in gold, and blued
trigger guard with gold inlaid serial number. Border and scroll engraving throughout. Well-figured 15 1/4 inch straight hand stock including large black composite extension and orange rubber heel plate, the grip and forearm checkered. The butt with large blank gold oval initial escutcheon on the underside. Weight 13 lbs. 4 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine. This magnificent English wildfowling gun has been professionally restored to a very high standard. From the deep, dark blue on the barrels to the vibrant casehardening on the action and locks, the renewed finish remains in near unblemished condition. The engraving is crisp and clear throughout, and the gold inlaid signatures and border lines are crisp. The stock has a pleasing figure pattern and crisp, sharp checkering. There are some scattered storage and handling blemishes and marks to the stock. A wood insert is visible in the rear comb of the stock where the tang for the original (probably iron) heel plate was inlet. Mechanically excellent. A very striking big bore shotgun.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,500
1 of a pair with “lever down guard”, sideclipped
action, and pistol grip stock. Blued steel barrels with dual bead sights on the smooth
concave solid rid which is marked with “The Automatic” as well as a gold “1” and the James Woodward address, original London “Not for Ball” proof marks, and chambers measuring 2 3/4 inches with single extractor. The barrels have been sleeved and the
original rib reinstalled, the gun has not been reproofed indicating the work was possibly done in the U.S. The casehardened, sideclipped sidelock action displays arcaded fences, a gold “1” on the top, “J. WOODWARD & SONS” on either side, and extensive scroll engraving. The gun features a tang mounted safety catch with gold inlaid “SAFE” and double triggers. Nicely figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings, including the Anson button release, and straight grip stock with teardrop drop points and checkered bare butt. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .727/.727 inches; choke constriction .012/.019 inches; minimum wall thickness .023/.027 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/2 inch drop at heel; 15 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 10 oz. CONDITION: Very good, retaining 98% reapplied blue finish, some case colors in the protected areas with an attractive silver patina on the balance, and light handling evidence. The replacement stock is very fine with a few minor scratches and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
4108, 12 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The makers have kindly confirmed that this gun was completed on November 21, 1885 for Colonel Arthur Ellis as the No.
LOT 3537
Factory Engraved J. Woodward & Sons “The Automatic” Sidelock Underlever Double Barrel Shotgun - Serial no.
276