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LOT 355
Rare Factory Engraved William Evans 20 Gauge Best Sidelock Ejector Double Barrel Shotgun with Case - Serial no. 14218, 20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1925 per the chart on page 107
of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers: Volume One - London”. Blued steel barrels with single
brass bead sight on the smooth, concave solid rib which is marked “WILLIAM EVANS. 63 PAUL MALL.
St JAMES’S LONDON” and shows floral scroll engraving at the breech, single additional bands at either
breech, period London nitro proofs, and chambers marked 2 1/2 inches with automatic ejectors. The casehardened sidelock action features exquisite near full coverage floral scroll engraving with “WILLIAM EVANS” banners on either side and high polish bright lock pins. The engraving extends to the barrel release, both tangs, and the trigger guard.
Double triggers, bushed firing pins, and automatic tang mounted safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Beautiful, highly figured, multi-point
checkered splinter forend with Anson button release and engraved fittings along with the straight grip stock with teardrop carved flats and a non-factory checkered extended walnut buttplate. Includes a Kevin’s canvas and leather bound case with wine interior, Kevin’s and
William Evans trade labels (detached), and William Evans leather forend attachment. Stock and barrel measurements (R/L): bore diameter 9 inches
from the breech both proved at “20” (.615 inches) and measured at .620/.621 inches;
choke constriction .008/.013 inches; minimum wall thickness .029/.029 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel;
14 11/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 5 lbs 9 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 99% blue and casehardened finishes with limited handling evidence. The wood is also very fine with a few minor scratches, the aforementioned non-factory buttplate, and sharp checkering. The case is excellent. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 356
Engraved and Gold Inlaid Sempert & Krieghoff 16
Gauge Double Barrel Sidelock Shotgun - Serial no.
6822, 16 gauge, 29 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish,
walnut stock. Originally manufactured as a drilling gun and subsequently converted
to a double barrel shotgun configuration. Blued steel barrels with single steel bead sight
on the matted solid rib marked “SEMPERT & KRIEGHOFF SUHL” in gold and chambers measured at 2 5/8 inches with extractor. The barrels also display two gold bands around the breeches. The
casehardened sidelock action shows beautifully engraved gold bordered game scenes of rabbits on the right and roe deer and a woodcock on the left all surrounded by light scroll engraving.
The action features sideclips, cocking indicators, sculpted fences, double triggers, safety switch with gold “SICHER” (Safe) position, and cocking
lever for the removed rifle barrel. The trigger guard bears a gold inlaid “OA” Gothic monogram, and the cartridge compartment in the butt
shows an chamois in a gold bordered scene. Nicely figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and Deeley latch and pistol
grip stock with inscription oval marked “D.R.P. 123902/SCHAFTCOPIEREN/VER BOTEN/ KRIEGHOFF/SUHL” and replacement White Line buttpad. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameters 9 inches from the breech .668/.668 inches; choke constriction .020/.030 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.024 inches; 1 1/8 inch drop at comb; 3 1/8 inch drop at heel;
14 13/16 inch length of pull; cast-off: weight 7 lbs 13 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally converted, retaining 95% plus reblued
finish with some areas of light fading, 20% case colors, and overall light
handling evidence. The wood is very good with a small chip from the left of
the forend, scattered small dings, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
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