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Army & Navy London 12g sidelock ejector all original, gorgeous Damascus, in proof!
Guns International #: 101104884 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Army Navy Shotguns - Shotguns - English Double Antique
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:
Army & Navy CSL Sidelock Ejector 12g gorgeous Damascus fully in proof.
Offers? Ready for this autumn’s upland wildfowling with this absolutely beautiful Army Navy CSL sidelock ejector. The Army & Navy Cooperative Society Limited was founded in 1871 to supply officers for overseas assignment; “the managers were less concerned with price than they were with ensuring that every item with the name ‘Army & Navy’ was top quality. After all, an officer’s life might depend on it.” (Terry Wieland, Vintage British Shotguns). This gorgeous sidelock reflects that attention to detail.
As a cooperative based out of Birmingham, England, most of these early guns were made for A&N by the premier British maker P. Webley & Son, (who later merged with W&C Scott to become Webley & Scott in 1897). Noted British gun specialist Jack Rowe rates Army & Navy as “their best grade of sidelock is as well made as any high-grade gun bearing the names of top London makers,” while expert George Caswell describes the guns as “generally made by Webley and of very good quality.”
This fully functional antique is in great condition, with the sidelocks being hand-engraved with beaded edging and ornate and detailed acanthus scrollwork throughout the locks and floorplate, trigger guard, toplever, and fences; “PATENT” engraved in-the-round on the toplever; and the maker’s name “ARMY & NAVY C.S.L.” on the locks. Automatic cocking indicator buttons on sidelocks, and automatic safety. Matching serial numbers 576xx throughout the gun on the action, fore-end, trigger guard mount, and barrels.
This is a pre-1887 gun as reflected by the original “12” on both barrel flats indicating bore measurements when it was originally black powder proof, as well as the original black powder London proof marks, including the definitive proof mark “GP” under a crown, view mark “V” under a crown, as well as the provisional proof mark lion rampant over intertwined letters “GP”. Original antique load measurements for 2 & ½” chambers reflected in “1 & 1/8 MAXIMUM” markings. Chokes are appx. cylinder and 3/4 choke. The 30” barrels with sight bead have excellent measurements, and come in at .740 for right and .744 left bore diameters, and 28 thousandth for the right wall thickness, and 22 thousandth for the left wall thickness. The interior of the bores are mirrors, while the outer barrels have an amazing Damascus twist pattern and browning, reflecting a true mastery of this art of barrel making. The game rib engraving reads “ARMY & NAVY C.S.L., LONDON.”
Contemporary London proof marks show that it has undergone British Nitro Proof (NP) testing with the London arm dexter in armour holding a scimitar, with contemporary measurements and standard proof compliance at “3 TONS” pressure, 2 & ½” chambers, and finally a 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.”
The well figured walnut stock has nice checkering throughout the hand and a dark grain, a brass oval on underside of stock suitable for engraving, engraved and blued “SAFE” automatic safety mechanism at the hand, and a 14 & 3/4” pull. The barrels lock up tight with absolutely no play in the action by virtue of the famous Webley treble-grip action. Removable striker discs. Sharply checkered fore-end wood with engraved fore-end base and tip and Anson plunger release. Superb responsiveness & handling with a weight of only 6 lbs. 2 oz.
Almost no cosmetic blemishes on the gun despite being a 130+ year old antique, other than a few very tiny surface-level marks on the outer left chamber. Overall excellent, beautiful condition, with hand-made quality apparent throughout its manufacture. A fine example of the master craftsmanship in UK gun-making. With the growing popularity of wildfowling using classic British shotguns, this is a great combination of beauty and function without breaking the bank. Affordable luxury; 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 US military family stationed in the UK, and ship via US Postal Service registered mail at an insured and flat rate of $75; usually takes about a week to arrive in the US. 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. Thanks for your interest. Key words: sxs shotgun, side by side, British, English, double barrel, 12 gauge, 12 ga, 12 g, side lock, sidelock.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Army & Navy CSL
Model: best sidelock ejector
Bore: .740 & .744
Chambers: 2.5
Ejectors: yes
Condition: excellent
Wood Condition: well figured
Bore Condition: mirror
Barrels: 30
Barrel Type: Damascus
Triggers: 2x
Gauge Info: 12
Stock: English
LOP: 14 & 3/4
Rib: game
Weight: 6.2
Choke Left: 3/4
Choke Right: cyl
Proof:Nitro: nitro proof & reproof
Minimum Wall Thickness Left: 22,000
Minimum Wall Thickness Right: 28,000