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Beckwith of London best British hammer shotgun / Damascus 12 gauge
Guns International #: 101071388 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Shotguns - English Double Antique - Antique Shotguns - Cartridge
Seller's Information
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Seller: brandonhal
Company:
Member Since: 2/23/14
First Name: Brandon
Last Name: Halstead
State: State not Found
Zip: 09468
Country: United Kingdom
Phone:
Fax:
Number of Active Listings: 4
Total Number of Listings: 29
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: paypal; certified bank check
Description:
Beckwith of London best British hammer / Damascus 12g
This classic English double hammer gun by Beckwith, circa mid to late 1860’s, serial number 40xx, is in exceptionally good condition. Superbly engraved game scenes on the sidelocks include pheasants on one side and partridges on the other. Remainder of the action, hammers, top strap and fences include finely detailed scroll engraving. The 30” Damascus barrels with site bead are browned with a beautiful twist to the pattern, while the interior bores are mirrors.
This is a pre-1887 gun as reflected by the “13” on the barrels indicating choke; chokes are appx. IC and ¼ choke. There appear to be Birmingham provisional and definitive proof marks annotating original blackpowder proof from the 1860’s, and most recently British Nitro Proof (NP) with the London arm dexter in armour holding a scimitar, at 3 tons per square inch, and crown and script “R” denoting more recent reproof. Virtually spotless condition on the interior, with no pitting and minimal powder marks on the breech and face; the barrels are flawless mirrors on the interior.
As Terry Wieland highlights in his book “Vintage British Shotguns,” he states “If you buy an English gun with Damascus barrels and the proof marks show it has been nitro proofed – that is, proven with smokeless powder – you know it’s safe to shoot with loads of the length and gauge marked.” Current barrel measurements are excellent and come in at .739 for both bore diameters, and 35 thousandth for the right wall thickness, and 30 thousandth for the left wall thickness.
The 14 & ½ inch stock has nice checkering throughout the hand, while the wood is figured with a dark grain and includes metal heel and toe plates with scroll engraving. Rotary underlever locks up tight with absolutely no play on the action, and is engraved with scrollwork and checkering at the thumb. Brass oval on underside of stock suitable for engraving. Sharply checkered fore-end has a cross-sliding engraved release and horn tip.
Action with non-rebounding bar locks is engraved with maker’s name “BECKWITH”; hare’s ears upright hammers with scrollwork and thumb checkering; 2 & ½” chambers; weight is 7 lbs. 8 oz. Game rib engraving is faint and reads “BECKWITH. SKINNERS STREET. LONDON.” Minor tiny cosmetic blemishes at various places on the gun as would be expected on a 150+ year old antique, including tiny 1mm ding just in front of left chamber, but overall excellent condition, with hand-made quality apparent throughout its manufacture. With the growing popularity of wildfowling using traditional hammer guns, this is a great combination of beauty and function without breaking the bank. Ready for your next century of shooting!
This is a pre-1898 firearm and qualifies as an antique with direct shipment to the purchaser. We are a military family stationed in the UK, and ship via US Postal Service at an insured, registered and flat rate of $60, which usually takes about a week to arrive in the US. Gunsinternational member since 2002 with 100% positive feedback. Payment via PayPal or certified bank check accepted. Please note I am not a dealer and not an expert, but a private collector, have tried to enter all the details I am aware of for this gun, and will try to answer any questions as best I can. I am downsizing my collection and hope to find other US enthusiasts of classic English shotguns to re-home a few of these pieces. Very near offers considered. Thanks for your interest. Key words: sxs shotgun, side by side, British, double barrel, 12 gauge, 12 ga, hammer.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Beckwith
Bore: 12
Condition: excellent
Metal Condition: excellent
Wood Condition: well figured
Bore Condition: excellent
Barrels: 30
Barrel Type: Damascus
Action: sidelock hammer
Triggers: double
Stock: 14 & 1/2
Rib: game
Weight: 7 lbs. 8 oz.
Manufacture Date: 1860's
Choke Left: 1/4
Choke Right: IC
Engraving: game scenes
Item Location: APO, AE
Proof:Nitro: British Nitro Proof
Minimum Wall Thickness Left: 30,000
Minimum Wall Thickness Right: 35,000