A pair of fine English doubles is a must in any sporting arms collection and this fine pair checks all of the boxes. The pair was manufactured between 1955 and 1960 according to page 104 of Nigel Brown's "British Gunmakers Volume One: London". Each gun is built with blued steel chopperlump barrels with a single brass bead sight on the narrow matted solid rib which is marked with a gold "1" or "2" at the base, Orange St. address on left tube, wedges of floral scroll engraving at either breech, import mark on the left tube below the forend, and London proof marks on the flats indicating the 2 1/2 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to highly attractive casehardened assisted-opening sidelock actions displaying fantastic full coverage floral scroll engraving with matting in the background for contrast. The scroll surrounds "E. J. CHURCHILL" signatures on either lockplate and "PREMIERE/FINEST/QUALITY" on the underside before extending onto the toplever which also bears a gold "1" or "2", the triggerguard, and both tangs. The engraving is unsigned indicating that it was done by the highly skilled in house engravers at Churchill. Each gun features gold centerline cocking indicators, double rolled triggerguard, dual triggers, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid "SAFE". Both guns have a gorgeous well-figured and multi-point checkered forend with engraved blue fittings and a gold inlaid "1" or "2" on the Anson button release and a straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, blank gold inscription oval, and a checkered bare butt. Included is an oak and leather takedown case with factory trade label and two sets of nickel snap caps. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at "12" (.729 inches) and measured at .737/.735 inches; choke constriction .022/.021 inches; minimum wall thickness .027/.027 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 1 7/8 inch drop at heel; cast-off; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 6 oz.

Very fine as professionally refinished, retaining 99% blue and casehardened finishes with some softening of the barrel markings, minor handling evidence, and some minor grease staining in the barrel rib matting. The wood is also very fine with some minor varnish wear at the forend shoe, slight crazing at the right lockplate, and sharp checkering. The case is fair with a missing strap. Mechanically excellent.

As described in "A". Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at "12" (.729 inches) and measured at .735/.733 inches; choke constriction .021/.028 inches; minimum wall thickness .027/.027 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 1 3/4 inch drop at heel; cast-off; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 8 oz.

Very fine as professionally refinished, retaining 99% blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence, some areas of plum hue on the barrels, some minor fading of markings on the barrels, and minor handling evidence. There is a tiny crack at the rear of both lockplates, otherwise, the wood is very fine with minor handling evidence and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A great chance to own a pair of fine English sporting doubles!