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LOT 3556
Magnificent Masterfully Factory
Engraved and Gold Inlaid Symes & Wright Sidelock Over/
Under Shotgun - Serial no. OU12, 12 gauge, 28 inch solid rib
bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. Symes &
Wright was only in the trade for eight years from 1987-1995,
but in this time they were one of London’s premier makers of
fine guns. During their eight years of production only about
50 guns were completed, with 14 being over/under shotguns
such as this one, making it a very rare piece to find. Blued steel
barrels with a single steel bead on the matted solid rib, “SYMES
& WRIGHT. LONDON. ENGLAND.” marked on the left of the upper barrel, 1995 dated London nitro proofs, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with selective ejectors. The vividly colored Purdey-Woodward style sidelock action displays beautifully executed Purdey style bouquet and scroll engraving surrounding gold inlaid “SYMES & WRIGHT”
on either lockplate and “SYMES & WRIGHT/LONDON. ENGLAND.” in gold on the underside. The engraving continues on the toplever, trigger guard, and both tangs,
the bottom of which displays the serial number “OU12” in fine gold inlay. The gun features a single non-selective trigger, a right hand rolled trigger guard, nitre blue
and gold cocking indicators, and tang mounted automatic safety switch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Highly figured, multi-point checkered forend with engraved fittings, including the Anson button release, and straight grip stock with teardrop carved flats and a checkered bare butt. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter
nine inches from the breech both proved and measured at 18.5mm (.728 inches); choke constriction .007/.016 inches; minimum wall thickness .031/.032 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 15 5/16 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 10 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and casehardened finishes, with minor handling evidence, some slight rubbing at the rear of the trigger guard, a small dent near the toe, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. Do not miss this rare chance to own one of these magnificent pieces of art!
Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection.
Estimate: 25,000 - 35,000
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