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J. Blanch & Son 12 Bore Back Action Hammergun with Sidelever Opening and Nitro Damascus Barrels
Guns International #: 103617465 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Shotguns - English Double - Hammer Shotguns
Seller's Information
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Seller: MacNab
Company: MacNab Fine Firearms
Member Since: 6/30/07
State: Virginia
Zip: 24523
Country: United States
Phone: (704) 796-6364
Number of Active Listings: 60
Total Number of Listings: 1155
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted: Cashiers Check, U.S. Postal Money Order, Personal Check
Description:
*** SOLD SOLD SOLD *** This lovely hammergun, made by one of London’s smaller but highly respected gunmakers, is in amazing condition for its age: not only are the internals in fine condition but also the prolific engraving is crisp and clear. Unusually for Blanch, whose records were destroyed by German bombs in 1942, we can date this gun quite accurately to 1883 as a Blanch gun only a few numbers separated from 5354 shared a numbered patent mark with a Holland & Holland gun that is dated in their records. Until the late 1890’s Blanch used the sidelever and back-action locks as their preferred mechanisms on nearly all their ‘in-house’ guns, the more ubiquitous toplever and bar-action locks being relegated to their ‘bought-in’ guns, often of lesser quality. Some rotary underlevers and occasional thumblever will be seen but the sidelever is the norm for guns made ‘in-house’. The full coverage of Bouquet & Scroll engraving is also very much the house style for this period and is beautifully executed. This is a most attractive gun with its classic London engraving style and, given its fine balance, highly figured stock and stylish sidelever, it would make an excellent gun for upland game or clays. Presented in a leather and brass case, relined with ‘Cherry’ all-wool baize, some vintage accessories and a reproduction Maker’s label.
The action is of traditional design and features: Double triggers; Finely sculpted ‘Percussion’ fences; Low level, facetted hammers; Rebounding back-action locks by John Moore; Sidelever operating a double bite ‘Purdey Bolt’; Modified Hollis forend lever catch: Extended top tang. Additional triggerguard screw fitted. Gun weight 6lb 11oz. Engraving style Best Bouquet & Scroll. Forend lever engraved ‘J BLANCH & SON’S IMPROVED SNAP BOLT’. Triggerguard, forend iron and barrels all marked with serial no. 5354. Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 3 ¾ lbs Rear trigger 4 ¼ lbs.
The original Damascus barrels are 28" in length, chambered for 2 ½” (65mm) cartridges and are of brazed 'dovetail' lump construction with soft soldered ribs. Top rib is of the ‘swamped’ type with a raised ‘shield’ between the fences. There are a few small vestigial pits. Birmingham reproof for 65mm(2-1/2”) nitro powder cartridges in 1994. The right barrel is bored 0.738 with a constriction of 0.002 for Skeet choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.027. The left barrel is also bored 0.738 and has a constriction of 0.032 for Improved Modified choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.027.
The Straight Hand Stock (possible vintage replacement) and original Splinter Forend are crafted from highly figured European walnut. The stock has neutral cast, features a vacant white metal oval fitted to the rear comb of the stock and a 1” leather covered recoil pad. The forend features Blanch’s usual lever forend catch and has a small inlet repair to its edge. The gun balance 3/8" behind hinge center. Stock dimensions are 14-5/8” by 1-1/2” by 2-1/4”. Very slightly cast off.
The 20 lines per inch checkering has been freshened to their original pattern. The stock is finished with a traditional linseed oil based preparation as used on best guns by one of the top English makers. This finish uses no grain fillers to achieve its deep, smooth lustre, only many hours of alternate build and flatting off the surface.
*** US Agent for Heritage Guns UK ***
*** Please note that the photographs are part of the description. Buyer is responsible for all shipping, insurance, and any other related charges. I give a 3-day non-firing inspection period which begins when it arrives at the buyer’s FFL or specified address if the gun is classified as an Antique. Returns at buyer’s expense.
Price: $8,295.00
Antique: Yes