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LOT 3405
Fine Engraved E.J. Churchill 20 Bore Double Barrel Assisted-Opening Boxlock Ejector Shotgun with Case - Serial
no. 3344, 20 gauge,
28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, walnut stock.
Although not marked
as such on the action
cover plate, this gun
conforms to Churchill’s premium
quality boxlock shotgun known as the Hercules Model and was manufactured in circa 1927 during the “Golden Age” of British
gunmaking. The blued barrels are each engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end, and the narrow concave rib is signed “E.J. CHURCHILL, GUNMAKERS LTD.
3 AGAR STREET. STRAND. LONDON W.C.2.” and is fitted with a bead front sight. Import marked under the forearm. The
casehardened action is signed “E.J. CHURCHILL” on each side and has a blued toplever, an automatic safety with silver
inlaid “SAFE”, a blued cover plate, a blued trigger guard, and fine scrollwork engraved throughout. The figured straight hand
stock has a checkered butt, grip and forearm; a blued Anson push button release on the forearm, and a blank silver oval initial escutcheon on the
underside of the butt. It comes in a fitted leather case lined in red baize with some cleaning rod heads and a chamber brush. Birmingham nitro reproof marks. Barrel and
stock measurements (R/L): chambers proved at 2 1/2 inches; bore diameter 9 inches from the breech reproved at .626/.615 inches and measured at .630/.623 inches; choke
constriction .009/.031 inches; minimum wall thickness .021/.024; 1 91/16 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 15/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 5 lbs 6 oz.
CONDITION: Very good. The barrels retain near all of the reblued finish and have a softened rib signature. The right barrel has worn proof marks. The action retains 60% faded original casehardened finish and has crisp engraving. The toplever, cover plate, and trigger guard each retain near all of the reblued finish and some softening to engraving. It was expertly restocked, and the wood has crisp checkering and only occasional minor storage and handling blemishes. Mechanically excellent. The restored case is very good has a pleasing dark aged patina, the ends of the case restored with replacement dark leather, replacement straps, and relined interior.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
LOT 3406
Engraved Holland & Holland Royal Hammerless
Ejector Double Barrel Shotgun with Case - Serial
no. 15845, 12 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/bright finish, walnut stock.
Blued steel barrels with single steel bead sight on the smooth, concave solid rib,
“HOLLAND & HOLLAND.” and “33. BRUTON STREET, LONDON.” on the right and left barrels respectively, 2 3/4 inch chambers with ejectors, and 1988 dated London reproofs. The bright
polished sidelock action displays beautiful scroll engraving with “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” banners on either
lock and “ROYAL/HAMMERLESS/EJECTOR” marked on the underside. The gun features double triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety switch with gold inlaid
“SAFE”. Nicely figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the Anson button release and straight grip stock with teardrop carved flats, blank inscription oval, and checkered bare butt. Includes a red leather takedown case with Holland Holland trade label, cleaning tool, oiler, and 1/5 gill measuring cup. Barrel
and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter 9 inches from the breech both reproved at .728 inches and measured at .731/.734 inches; choke constriction .006/.002 inches; minimum wall thickness .030/.026 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 3/16 inch drop at heel; 15 1/2 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 7 lbs 5 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 95% reapplied blue finish, attractive bright action, locks, tangs, and trigger guard, some scattered light spotting, areas of thinning, and mild handling evidence. The wood is also very fine with some chipping around the inletting, slightly proud in spots, a few minor scratches, and crisp checkering. The case is very fine with light storage evidence. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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