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Per information provided by Jan Roosenberg, author and former director of Holland & Holland in the U.S., this pair was built in 1926 (“A”) for a Mr. Simson of San Francisco and 1929 (“B”) for Abercrombie & Fitch of New York. The guns eventually made their way back to E. J. Churchill as individuals and were rebarreled and refurbished and then sold as a pair to a nobleman from Denmark. Roosenburg also states that these guns are two of only 15
built on Woodward actions by Churchill. This particular gun of the pair is pictured in “The House of Churchill” by Masters. Included is a double gun motor case that houses both “A” and “B”. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 12 (.729 inches) and measured .737/.738 inches; choke constriction .008/.016 inches; minimum wall thickness .025/.022 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 1 7/8 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 7 lbs. 4 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 98% of the professionally reapplied blue finish, 80% case colors, light handling evidence, and some fading/fill in the barrel markings. The wood is also very fine with a gap at the shoe to forend fit, scattered light dings and scratches, and sharp checkering. The case has a detached trade label inside, but is otherwise excellent. Mechanically excellent.
B) E. J. Churchill Premiere Quality Shotgun
- Serial no. 4220, 12 gauge, 28 inch vent rib
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. As “A” with “II” in place of “I”, blue triggerguard shoe, and
lower tang number “4220-II”. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both reproved
at 18.6mm (.732 inches) and measured .732/.733 inches; choke constriction .007/.014 inches; minimum wall thickness .022/.027
inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 1 7/8 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 7 lbs. 10 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 95% plus professionally reapplied blue finish with the loss on the triggerguard, 95% case
colors, small gap between receiver and forend shoe, and light handling evidence. The forend has small chips at the top rear on either side; otherwise, the wood is very fine with dings and scratches and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is a great opportunity to own a wonderful pair of high grade English shotguns!
Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000
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