Guns International #: 102203418
Seller's Inventory #: Peter Chapman London Best SLE - 28ga
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Guns International #: 102203418
Category - Shotguns - English Double
- Shotguns - 28 Gauge
Seller's Information
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Seller: Quillen Worfe
Company: C-W Fine Gun Marketing Page Member Since: 4/8/14
First Name: Kevin M.
Last Name: Worfe, Sr.
State:
Texas
Zip: 78006
Country: United States
Phone: (210) 837-1005
Platinum Seller
Active Listings: 22
Total Listings: 2446
Seller Type:FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Shipping ranges from $35-$500 Payment Methods: Personal Checks (item held until check clears) and cashiers checks
About Us: Effective April 2024 — this page is a marketing page for FFL located in Boerne Texas. I am their Marketing Manager - all guns are owned by FFL or they are customer consignments.
Peter Chapman London Best SLE - 28ga - Rare Bespoke “Best”
- Straight Grip Double Trigger - Checkered Butt - Splinter Forend
Description: Peter Chapman London Best SLE - 28ga - Casbard Engraved - Rare Bespoke Best - Self Opener - Straight Grip Double Trigger - Checkered Butt - Splinter Forend - Magnificent Maker's Case with tools & accessories - one of the classiest field setups for the upland hunter. It is estimated that there were only 160 guns built by Peter Chapman - this one is built on a "Rogers/Holland" action. It is indeed, a Holland & Holland Replica. Eulogy for Peter Chapman as printed in Double Gun Journal: Peter Chapman, gunmaker, was born in Tottenham, North London to Christopher and Eleanor Chapman. Peter’s father was a carpenter and joiner, his mother a housewife. In 1939 Peter was evacuated to the Essex/Suffolk border in avoidance of the London air raid bombings and stayed in the area until the war ended. After graduating high school he intended to enter into the stained glass trade but an odd fate intervened. Peter told me his father was a lodge mate in a fraternal order with Harry Lawrence, a director of James Purdey & Sons and soon to be the managing director. Chris Chapman mentioned something to Mr. Lawrence about his son going into the stained glass trade but said the boy was really mad about guns. Mr. Lawrence suggested bringing the lad around, he was presented to Chris Gadsby, the factory manager and in 1952 Peter found himself apprenticed as a Purdey finisher with Gadsby as his gaffer. In 1971 I met Peter through Geoffrey Casbard, a Kell trained engraver, a then employee of James Purdey & Sons and a long time friend of Peter’s. After 25 years with “The Firm” as Peter called it, Peter and I partnered with the intent of making best guns to between the wars standards. We purchased a property in the village of Little Yeldham in East Anglia near where he stayed as a child during the war, installed a workshop there and so began a long and interesting venture. Many trips back and forth ensued. I would go to England three or four times a year and Peter would come to America on a regular basis. My job seemed to be to sell guns to Americans. Peter’s job while here was to charm those potential customers and he was very very good at it. In the process he met and usually charmed an amazing number of interesting people. He was invited to The Court Of Saint James Embassy in London by Bill Saxby, former Attorney General Of The United States and, at that time, the American Ambassador to India. While at the embassy Saxby introduced him to Anne Armstrong, a member of the King Ranch family and the American Ambassador to The Court Of Saint James. Later Peter became close to other members of the King Ranch family. He made a number of guns for Bobby Shelton, Captain King’s great grandson. Shelton and Peter became close friends and Bobby introduced him to a number of interesting people including Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart. Bobby also owned the Flying D Ranch in Montana and Peter spent time there hunting mule deer and elk and watching cowboys. Real cowboys... Peter’s love for the American West was endless. He also shot ruffed grouse and woodcock in Minnesota, sharp tails in both Dakotas and bobwhites in South Texas. Lots of bobwhites in South Texas... Peter told me about 160 guns were completed, most on Beesley/Purdey actions, a few on H&H or Rogers actions, a few best quality boxlocks and two or three under/overs on Woodward/Purdey actions. Chapman guns are scattered across America, many of them in collections owned by some of the most knowledgeable shooters and collectors in the country. All were sold by word of mouth or referral with no advertising of any kind. Peter Chapman was a very complex and, at times, a very trying individual but a workman of the first water. On many occasions I watched him make and fit things and even after seeing it done I still couldn’t understand how he did such wonderful work with the simplest of tools. He was one of the first, if not the very first of the recent London Gunmakers to strike out on his own and also one of the last to be trained in the pre cad/cam machine era. Unfortunately all of the records appear to have gone missing. A few years ago he was diagnosed with the vascular dementia which ended his life. He remained in his home until quite recently but the records and equipment disappeared from the house during his decline. Hopefully they will reappear. I make little claim to the veracity of most of this but it is a true account of my observations and what was relayed to me over the years by Peter. Wherever you might be, Mr. Chapman, it’s been quite a ride and I’m glad you came my way. Written by David Brown, Longtime Friend of Peter Chapman **scroll down for specs** Quillen & Worfe Fine Guns Disclosures and Important Information:
SOLD Shotgun Gauge: 28 Gauge Manufacturer: Peter Chapman of London Model: BEST SLE Serial Number: 0019 Barrel Length: 27” Condition: 99% Stock Comb: 1 3/8” Stock Heel: 2 3/16” Stock Cast: Off - for right hand Fore End: Splinter LOP: 14 9/16” Rib: Game rib Finish: Hand rubbed oil Weight: 5 lbs 5 ozs Chokes: 006/008 Sk/IMK Engraving: English Scroll |
Guns International #: 102203418
Seller's Inventory #: Peter Chapman London Best SLE - 28ga
Guns International #: 102203418
Seller's Inventory #: Peter Chapman London Best SLE - 28ga
Guns International #: 102203418
Seller's Inventory #: Peter Chapman London Best SLE - 28ga