Guns International #: 102440532
Click Photo to Enlarge |
Guns International #: 102440532
Category - Shotguns - English Double
- Shotguns - Doubles
Rowland Watson A&D boxlock ejector 12 G, excellent condition with superb engraving and great dimensions
Description: REDUCED! In 1723 Benjamin Watson, an accomplished gunlock maker, founded his own gunmaking company in Birmingham. Three generations of Ben Watsons were successful and highly regarded gunmakers, and Benjamin ll was a founder and investor in the Birmingham proof house. The last Ben Watson's son-in-law Thomas Wild took the reins from 1857-1893 and changed the name to his own, T Wild. After Thomas Wild died the company reverted to the last Ben Watson's grandson, Rowland Watson in 1893. Guns were made under two "brands", T Wild and Rowland Watson, but they were pretty much the same guns, just different brand names trading on history and reputation of both! The last Rowland Watson passed away in 1988 and the firm continued to operate under Barry King, who had apprenticed at the firm and worked there ever since. The last order was completed in 1997, ending 274 years of continuous gunmaking success. I attach and interesting picture from early1963 of the building at 18 Whittall St in the Birmingham Gun Quarter, which Rowland Watson owned and where the shop had been located before moving to Loveday St, with the style Thomas Wild Gun Works on the sign. The former historic gun quarter was later razed for a highway and urban renewal. This high grade Rowland Watson was built in 1921, and offers great modern dimensions, The wood and barrels have been properly and expertly refinished and a new leather pad was made. The original proofs are for 1 1/4 oz and it features 2 3/4 inch chambers on 30 inch barrels with fine walls in proof. Given the proof level it weighs a proper 7 lbs, 4 oz. It also features a fine Prince of Wales grip, not common so definitely a custom ordered gun in its day. The engraving is superb and features very realistic detailed Pheasant, tight even scrolls and full coverage. It features one of the best gundog (English Pointer) engravings I have seen on an English boxlock (or anywhere else) and because of the overall quality and time period I believe it to be the work of Harry Morris, the master Birmingham engraver for the trade. Some original case color remains, checkering sharp. Only some light cabinet marks in finish. A very nice & substantial new "toe under" leather luggage case with solid brass fittings was fitted for this gun, probably when restored, and is included in this price! You cant reproduce a gun of this quality for anywhere near 4X or 5X this price today. Price: $3,250.00 Curio/Relic: Yes Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge Manufacturer: Rowland Watson, Birmingham Serial Number: 10272 Barrel Length: 30 in Chambers: 2 3/4 (original) Ejectors: yes Condition: Exc Metal Condition: Exc Wood Condition: 99% Bore Condition: Exc- bright shiny, thick walls Barrels: game rib Barrel Type: SXS Action: A & D boxlock Triggers: double Stock: Game with prince of Wales grip Stock Dimensions: 14 7/8 x 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 Stock Comb: 1 1/2 Stock Heel: 2 1/2 Stock Cast: off 1/8 Fore End: splinter Butt Pad: pigskin, new LOP: 14 7/8 Rib: Solid smooth game style Weight: 7 lbs 4 oz Sights: Front brass bead Manufacture Date: 1921 Choke Left: M Choke Right: IC Engraving: classic game scenes and tight scrolls Case: leather covered oak fitted toe under style Proof:Nitro: Original 1 1/4 oz with 2 3/4 inch chambers Grips: POW Contact Seller |
Guns International #: 102440532
Guns International #: 102440532