J. Blanch & Son 12 Bore Back Action Thumblever Hammergun with 29” Nitro Damascus Barrels

Description:
This lovely old hammergun number 4972, made 1875 – 1877 by one of London’s smaller but highly respected gunmakers, is a fascinating example of how many guns moved through generations of family and social strata during their many decades of service. This particular gun was entrusted to me for restoration by the family that had owned it since new on the condition that they remained anonymous and that its history would be shared with the new owner. It is known that it served as the premier shotgun of the head of the house for at least two generations and was then turned over to the gamekeeper and so to his son when he succeeded him. When finally retired from service, it returned to the family gunroom and was left to collect dust at the back of a cupboard. It shows much honest wear from countless hours carried over the arm in all weathers but where protected, the quality still shines through. Three interesting details are that internally the action carries the Blanch name stamped in bold on the back of the action alongside the actioners name, Charles Drydon, the locks were neatly converted to ‘rebounding’ in the 1880’s and the Purdey patent use mark was engraved with the initials ‘PP’ not ‘JP’. All the internal parts carried the patina of the intervening years and I have painstakingly polished all the parts before reassembly. The barrels have survived amazingly well: passed 2 ¾ “ nitro reproof in 2024 and the very fine Damascus rebrowned beautifully. The ribs didn’t even need relaying! Also the superb, dark French walnut stock is in fine shape and we have refreshed the checkering to its original pattern. With its fascinating history, lovely wood and fine barrels, it would be a privilege to see the gun in action again with a new custodian for another generation or two. Presented in a canvas and leather trim case, relined with forest green baize, fitted with some accessories and a reproduction Maker’s label.

The action is of traditional design and features: Double triggers; Finely sculpted ‘Percussion’ fences; Rounded bar; High level, facetted hammers; Rebounding back-action locks; Thumblever operating a double bite ‘Purdey Bolt’; Long top tang; ‘Wedge’ or cross bolt forend catch. Gun weight 7lb. Engraving style Best Foliate Scroll.Triggerguard, forend iron and barrels all marked with serial no. 4972. Action flats engraved ‘PP PATENT 144’ [sic] in a diamond. Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 3 ¾ lbs Rear trigger 4 ½ lbs.

The original Damascus barrels are 29" in length, chambered for 2 ¾ ” (70mm) cartridges and are of brazed 'dovetail' lump construction with soft soldered ribs. There are a few small vestigial pits. Top rib is of the smooth, concave, game type. Birmingham reproof for 70mm nitro powder cartridges in 2024. The right barrel is bored 0.740 with a constriction of 0.010 for Improved Cylinder choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.022. The left barrel is also bored 0.740 and has a constriction of 0.010 for Improved Cylinder choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.025.

The original Straight Hand Stock and Splinter Forend are crafted from dark, highly figured walnut. The stock is cast off for the right shoulder, features a vacant white metal oval fitted to the rear comb of the stock and a 3/4” leather covered recoil pad. The forend has several small inlet repairs to its edge. The gun balances 1/4" behind the hinge center. Stock dimensions are 14-7/8” by 1-5/8” by 2-1/8”. Cast-off for the righthanded shooter.

The 18 lines per inch checkering has been freshened to their original design. The stock is finished with a traditional linseed oil based preparation as used on best guns by one of the top English makers.

   ***   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.   ***   
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $6,995.00