E.J. Churchill 'Hercules' .470 Nitro Express – 1 of 8 Produced – Cased – Certified Safari-Ready™

Description:
Offered here is one of only eight E.J. Churchill 'Hercules' .470 Nitro Express double rifles produced, serial number 2686. Circa 1912 per British Gunmakers: Volume One – London by Brown.
The 'Hercules – Finest .470 Quality Model' represents Churchill’s top-tier dangerous game offering of the period and is marked accordingly on the underside plate:
"HERCULES / FINEST 470 QUALITY / MODEL" with the caliber inlaid in gold.
With only eight examples produced, this is an exceptionally scarce London Best double rifle — a true collector’s piece that remains fully field-capable.

CONSTRUCTION & FEATURES
24" chopper lump barrels with hidden third bite, built to classic London Best standards.
Barrels feature a bead front sight dovetailed into a raised island with anti-glare matting, quarter rib with en suite matting, dovetailed V rear sight, and sling eye beneath the rib.
Signed over chambers: 'E.J. Churchill (Gunmakers) Ltd' and '8 Agar St Strand London W.C.2.'
The boxlock action displays essentially full coverage of finely cut small English scroll, signed 'E.J. Churchill' in ribbons on both sides.
Breeches show fine scroll borders with acanthus work on rib extension. Non-automatic safety with 'SAFE' in gold. Double triggers protected by a flat-bottom trigger guard with extended tang to grip cap.
Engraving remains crisp and well defined throughout.

STOCK
Densely streaked walnut stock featuring classic teardrops, two panels of point-pattern checkering with mullered borders, shadowline cheekpiece, cast off for right-hand shooter, brass vanity plate at toe line (post-factory 'BA'), and orange rubber recoil pad with traditional covered screws.
Drop at heel: 3"
Length of pull: 14 1/2" from front trigger
Weight: 10 lbs 10 oz

CONDITION
Very good as conserved.
Barrels retain the vast majority of a high-quality reblue with light thinning over chambers and minor scattered oxidation.
Action retains traces of case color in protected areas, now toning to an even gunmetal grey. Engraving remains sharp.
Stocks show handling marks consistent with age; minor chips noted at right forearm fang and near nose.
Bores are excellent with strong rifling.
Mechanically excellent. The action locks up tight and remains on-face. The top lever sits correctly, and ejectors are strong and properly timed. Triggers are crisp.

CASE & ACCESSORIES
Housed in its brass-tabbed leather case lined in forest green with E.J. Churchill trade label.
Accessories include sight hood, Holland & Holland spanner wrench, bone striker pot with replacement front sight, pair of snap caps, sling, square oil bottle, two-piece cleaning rod, and wallet with mop, jag, and brush.
This exact rifle is featured in the 11th Edition of Cartridges of the World, page 401.

With only eight examples produced, the Churchill Hercules .470 is exceptionally scarce.
It occupies the rare intersection of London Best maker, limited production model, documented example, complete case and accessories, and mechanically proven regulation.
A collector-grade Churchill that is eminently huntable — exactly as intended.

CERTIFIED SAFARI-READY™
This rifle has been test-fired and evaluated and is Certified Safari-Ready™.
Lockup, regulation, ejector timing, and safety function have been verified
Certification reflects mechanical condition at time of offering and confirms that this Hercules remains fully hunt-capable — not merely a collector example.

Shipping cost is an estimate only and final shipping and insurance will depend on a variety of factors. Buyers will pay actual shipping and insurance.

Video walk-throughs available by appointment for serios inquiries.

Shipping and insurance is an estimate only. Final cost will be determined based on destination, declared value, and method of shipment. Adult signature required.

Curio/Relic: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .470 Nitro Express
Manufacturer: EJ Churchill
Model: Hercules
Serial Number: 2686
Barrel Length: 24
Ejectors: Excellent
Condition: Very Good
Metal Condition: Very Good
Wood Condition: Very Good
Bore Condition: Very Good

Price: $42,950.00
Shipping: $100.00