Lot 427: Engraved Thomas Bland & Sons .360 Bore Boxlock Ejector Shotgun

The makers have kindly confirmed that this diminutive shotgun was sold to a Mr. Fenwick in 1927. With blued barrels with concave rib signed “THOMAS BLAND & SONS. 4 & 5 KING WILLIAM STREET. STRAND. LONDON” and with large bead sight. The underside of the barrels struck with Birmingham nitro proof marks, chambers proved at 1 3/4 inch. Casehardened action signed “THOMAS BLAND & SONS” on each side, with blued toplever, automatic safety, blued floorplate and blued trigger guard. With light border and scroll engraving throughout. Well figured straight hand stock with grooved dark horn buttplate and checkered panels to the grip and forearm, the latter with Anson push button release, and the underside of the butt inset with blank silver oval initial escutcheon. Stock measurements: 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 3/8 inch drop at heel; 14 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 4 lbs 10 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Fine with light engraving which was typical of many Bland guns. The barrels retain nearly all of the reblued finish with crisp signature. Action with 40% original casehardened finish with clear engraving, the remainder a lightly discolored patina. Toplever retaining nearly all of the reblued finish, floorplate and trigger guard each with traces of original blued finish. Stock reoiled with well-defined multipoint checkering, scattered light storage and handling marks and blemishes throughout. Mechanically excellent.