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LOT 1568
Factory Engraved E. J. Churchill 20 Gauge Self-Opening Boxlock Double Barrel Ejector Shotgun with Case - Serial no. 23694, 20 gauge, 25 inch solid rib bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. Blued steel barrels with a single white bead sight on the narrow matted solid rib which is inlaid with “XXV” in gold near the breech, 1 1/4 inch wedges of scroll engraving at either breech, and “CHURCHILL (GUNMAKERS) LTD.” and “7, BURY STREET, ST. JAMES’S, LONDON, ENGLAND.” marked on the right and left respectively.
The watertable is marked with 1976 dated Birmingham nitro proofs including the 2 3/4 inch chambers which feature automatic ejectors, and Teague choke system (cylinder/cylinder installed). The casehardened scalloped self-opening boxlock action displays near full coverage floral scroll engraving surrounding “CHURCHILL” on either side and “HERCULES/FINEST
QUALITY/MODEL” on the underside with the engraving extending to the toplever, trigger guard, and both tangs. The gun features a single non-selective trigger, double rolled trigger guard, and a tang mounted automatic safety switch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved casehardened fittings, including the Anson button release, and straight grip stock with teardrop carved flats, a gold “A” inlaid into the stock, and checkered bare butt. Included with the gun is a wood and leather takedown case with “V.A.D.” marked on the outer lid, Churchill label on the interior lid, a pair of snap caps, and cleaning tools. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at .615 inches and measured .616./.617 inches; minimum wall thickness .033/.034 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 15 1/16 inch length of pull; weight 5 lbs. 5 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% original blue finish, 95% original case colors, and some scattered light handling evidence. The wood is very fine with a few small dings, light high edge wear, and sharp checkering. The case is very good. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000
LOT 1569
Factory Engraved William Douglass & Sons
Boxlock Ejector Double Rifle in .470 Nitro Express - Serial no. WD1006, 470 NE cal., 23 5/8 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Blued steel barrels with a ramped beaded blade
front sight, three position (one standing, two folding) rear sight, German claw mounts on the partially
matted solid rib, and import mark under forend. The rib is marked “DOUGLASS & SONS ENGLAND” but the front claw mount
has eliminated the word “WILLIAM”, the remnants of which are still visible and the watertable bears 1996 dated London nitro
proof marks. The casehardened boxlock action shows light border engraving with flourishes at the pivot pin and toplever and features bushed firing pins, double triggers, and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Attractively figured, multi-point checkered beavertail forend with lightly engraved fittings and pistol grip stock with red rubber recoil pad. Length of pull 15 1/8 inches. Weight 10 lbs. 3 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% original blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence and a few areas showing some
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minor spotting. The wood is very fine with a scratches, some wear to the recoil pad, and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 6,500 - 9,000