James MacNaughton & Sons 12 Bore “Edinburgh Gun” Skeleton Action with Long Lever Cocking Top Lever and 30” Highly Figured Damascus Barrels

Description:
   ***   SOLD SOLD SOLD  ***   Iconic and rare 12 bore James MacNaughton & Sons skeleton action with long toplever scalloped out to allow the shooter to visually confirm through a crystal viewing port that the hammers are cocked. The longer toplever also provides the shooter with greater leverage to cock the hammers although that is easy to do. MacNaughton serial number 946 was made circa 1883. It is one of less than 50 levercocking skeleton action MacNaughton round actions ever made! Highly engraved with a Celtic pattern and the words “MacNaughton” and “Edinburgh” engraved across the balls of the fences. It has double triggers, extractors, and the signature MacNaughton toggle safety. The straight hand stock and splinter forearm are made of highly figured French walnut. Mechanically and cosmetically in very good condition. Tight on face. No cracks in stock. Presented in its oak & leather case with original maker’s label. Great handling and easy to carry for a day afield at 6lb 12oz.

The 30” highly figured Damascus barrels are chambered for 2-1/2” shotshells and are black powder proofed. Rumors to the contrary notwithstanding, low pressure 2-1/2” shotshells are readily available in the US for Clays Ammo, Game Bore, and RST Shells. This MacNaughton with its generous wall thickness can be safely shot with sensible low pressure cartridges. The barrels are topped by a raised solid concave tapered rib on which is inscribed “James MacNaughton 26 Hanover Street Edinburgh”. The bores are shiny and bright and the finish on the exterior has been professionally re-browned with a few minor handling marks. The right barrel is bored 0.737 with a constriction of 0.006 for Light Improved Cylinder choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.027. The left barrel is also bored 0.737 and has a constriction of 0.022 for Modified choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.028.

The straighthand stock and splinter forearm are made of highly figured French walnut. The stock has its original thin horn buttplate and the forearm has its original ebony forearm tip. The stock and forearm have been nicely refinished. The checkering is correct and crisp. Stock dimensions are 14-5/16” by 1-1/2” by 2”. Cast off for the righthand shot.

This MacNaughton is one of a very small number of levercocking skeleton actions made by the firm. It was called “The Edinburgh Gun”. It even has its original oak & leather case with maker’s label. It is rare and collectible and also eminently shootable. Opportunities to purchase rare and iconic Scottish doubles such as this do not do not present themselves very often.

NOTE: 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 which begins when the firearm arrives at the FFL or your designated address if the firearm is classified as an Antique. Returns at buyer’s expense.
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $24,950.00