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  • Auction Catalog #4092
  • Lot #3477
Lot #3476
Lot #3478

Lot 3477: Trio of C. Lee Engraved David McKay Brown Round Body Shotguns

Stunning True Trio of Master Charles Lee Signed and Engraved David McKay Brown Round Body Double Barrel Shotguns with Case

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: August 25, 2024

Lot 3477: Trio of C. Lee Engraved David McKay Brown Round Body Shotguns

Stunning True Trio of Master Charles Lee Signed and Engraved David McKay Brown Round Body Double Barrel Shotguns with Case

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: August 25, 2024

Estimated Price: $50,000 - $80,000
Price Realized:
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A) David McKay Brown Round Body Shotgun

Manufacturer: David McKay Brown
Model: Boxlock
Type: Shotgun
Gauge: 12
Barrel: 27 inch solid rib
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 2511
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 320
Class: Modern Long Gun
Description:

David McKay Brown founded his company in 1967 after apprenticing with John Dickson & Sons, and by 1974 he had revived Scotland's most famous contribution to fine gunmaking, the triggerplate round action. Since then the company has grown to be one of the finest bespoke gunmakers in the United Kingdom, rivaling even the oldest names in the business such as Purdey, Holland & Holland, and Westley Richards to list a few, with a trio of guns such as this worthy of a place in the finest collections in the world. Each of these fine guns was built with blued steel chopperlump barrels featuring a single nickel bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is signed "DAVID McKAY BROWN (GUNMAKERS) LTD. ,32. HAMILTON ROAD, BOTHWELL" along with a flourish of scroll engraving and a gold inlaid "1", "2", or "3" denoting each gun's place in the trio, single bands of engraving at either breech, 1990 dated London proofs (1992 for gun "3"), and 2 3/4" chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels of each gun are mated to a richly casehardened, assisted-opening, round body boxlock action which displays carved fences and extensive highly attractive near full coverage scroll engraving beautifully incorporating "DAVID McKAY BROWN" signature banners on either side before flowing onto the triggerguard, both tangs, and the toplever which bears a gold inlaid "1", "2", or "3". While the guns are not signed, included documentation states that the engraving was done by Master Engraver Charles Lee, a renowned engraver formerly of Purdey. The guns all feature double triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid "SAFE" indicator. Each gun is mounted with a gorgeous highly figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved shoe and Anson button release as well as a straight grip stock with gold inscription oval marked "C.L.W." and a leather covered recoil pad. Included with this trio is an article from "Shotgun Life Magazine" detailing the trio's pedigree back to its ordering by original owner legendary safari hunter and guide Charles Williams, a copy of "The Field" magazine with an article on David McKay Brown, a copy of "Shooting Gazette" with an article on Brown and this trio by Donald Dallas, and a copy of "David McKay Brown: Scotland's Gun and Rifle Manufacturer" where this trio is listed by serial number on page 184. Also included is an oak and leather three gun takedown case built by Robert Ross with canvas cover and David McKay Brown trade label containing six snap caps, three turnscrews, and a set of cleaning tools. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed and measured at 18.5mm (.728 inches); choke constriction .004/.009 inches; minimum wall thickness .030/.025 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 7/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 7 oz.

Rating Definition:

Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence, a tiny scratch near the muzzle on the underside of the left tube near the muzzle, a few tiny marks in the wood, a slightly loose forend, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is excellent as are the accessories.



B) David McKay Brown Round Body Shotgun

Manufacturer: David McKay Brown
Model: Boxlock
Type: Shotgun
Gauge: 12
Barrel: 27 inch solid rib
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 2511
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 320
Class: Modern Long Gun
Description:

As described in "A". Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at 18.5mm (.728 inches) and measured .726 inches; choke constriction .003/.008 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.031 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 1 15/16 inch drop at heel; 14 7/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 6 oz.

Rating Definition:

Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence, a few tiny scratches on the barrels. There are some dings at the toe and near the heel, otherwise; the wood is very fine with a few light marks and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.



C) David McKay Brown Round Body Shotgun

Manufacturer: David McKay Brown
Model: Boxlock
Type: Shotgun
Gauge: 12
Barrel: 27 inch solid rib
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 2511
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 320
Class: Modern Long Gun
Description:

As described in "A". Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at 18.5mm (.728 inches) and measured .727/.726 inches; choke constriction .005/.009 inches; minimum wall thickness .028/.028 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 1 15/16 inch drop at heel; 14 7/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 7 oz. Provenance: The Charles L. Williams Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Rating Definition:

Excellent, retaining 99% original blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence and a few small scratches on the barrels, mainly the left tube. The wood is very fine showing a few light dings and pressure marks as well as sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A rare chance to own a fantastic true trio of guns by one of Scotland's finest maker!



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