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Matching Pair Game Bird Set of Consecutively Serial Numbered Engraved Churchill Double Barrel Side L

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Shotguns Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
Matching Pair Game Bird Set of Consecutively Serial Numbered Engraved Churchill Double Barrel Side L
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Matching Pair Game Bird Set of Consecutively Serial Numbered Engraved Churchill Double Barrel Side Lock Hammerless Shotguns with Case -A) Engraved Churchill Double Barrel Side Lock Hammerless Shotgun


A) Founded in 1891 by Edwin John Churchill. In 1959 the firm was purchased and the name changed to Churchill (Gunmakers) Ltd. In 1964 the company acquired Atkin, Grant, & Lang and in 1971 the two firms combined into Churchill, Atkins, Grant & Lang, Ltd. Suffering from spiraling costs and crippling inflation, Churchill ceased operations in 1980 and the remaining inventory was sold off at auction in 1981. In 1984 former Production Manager Don Master registered the name E.J. Churchill (Gunmakers) Ltd. And in 1996 West Wycombe Shooting Grounds Ltd. obtained rights to the Churchill Gunmakers name. These fine shotguns feature fine English scroll engraving on the frame, locks, trigger guard, break lever and breech end of the barrels. The bottom of the frame is marked "THE/PREMIERE/QUALITY", and the breech end of the rib and break lever have a gold inlaid "1" and "2" respectively. Each lock is marked "E.J. CHURCHILL" in a banner amid the scroll engraving. The top of the right barrel near the breech is marked "E. J. CHURCHILL (GUNMAKERS) LTD." and "ORANGE ST GUNWORKS. LEICESTER SQUARE . LONDON". Each barrel is marked "4209" under the forearm and the flats are marked "NITRO PROOF" and have various British proof marks. The water table is marked with the serial number on each side, as well has having a "crown/V" proof mark on each side. Single brass bead on the narrow solid matte rib, 2 1/2 inch chambers, choked improved cylinder/improved cylinder with ejectors. Bores measure .731 (right) and .730 (left), wall thickness is .022 (right) and .028 (left), the bore constriction is .008 (right) (IC) and .008 (left) (IC).Drop at comb is 1 11/16 inches. Drop at heel is 2 7/16 inches, cast on is 1/8 inch. Double triggers, tang mounted automatic safety with gold "SAFE" and mounted with a nicely figured multi-point checkered walnut splinter forearm with engraved hardware and gold inlaid "1"/"2" respectively, and straight grip stock with teardrop flats, checkered bare butt and gold inset "APP" on the underside. Length of pull is 14 5/16 inches. The shotguns come with a leather and oak case with wine colored lining and makers label on the inside of the lid. In the case are two sets of nickel snap caps, a "MADE IN ENGLAND" marked nickel oiler and a three piece wooden cleaning rod.

Manufucture: Churchill
Model: Double
BBL: 28 inch solid rib
Stock: walnut
Guage: 12
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 3682

Very fine as refurbished. The barrels retain 99% blue finish. The trigger guard/tang retain 60% blue finish with smooth gray patina on the edges and areas of the tang. The frame and locks are a mix of original case colors and a smooth dark gray patina. The wood is also very fine with only light handling/storage marks and crisp checkering. The markings and engraving are crisp and clear. Mechanically fine. The vintage case is about good with some heavy edge and corner wear, scattered moderate wear, and some scratches and scuffs. The leather strap guides and handle are absent. There is some material loss on the inside of the lid. The snap caps and oiler are very good.

B) Described in "A" and marked "4210" on the bottom of each barrel. 2 1/2 inch chambers. Bores measure .732 (right) and .730 (left), the wall thickness is .025 (right) and .025 (left), the bore constriction is .011 (right) (LM) and .011 (left) (LM). Length of pull is 14 5/16 inches. Drop at the comb is 1 5/8 inches, drop at the heel is 2 3/8 inches, cast on is 1/8 inch.

Manufucture: Churchill
Model: Double
BBL: 28 inch solid rib
Stock: walnut
Guage: 12
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 3683

Very fine as refurbished. The barrels retains 99% original blue finish. The trigger guard/tang retain 25% original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The frame and locks have a smooth dark gray patina with strong original case colors in protected areas. The wood is also very fine with only light handling/storage marks and crisp checkering. The markings and engraving are crisp and clear. Mechanically fine.