Guns International #: 102203190

Category - Woodward, James Shotguns - Shotguns - English Double

Category
Woodward, James Shotguns
Shotguns - English Double

James Woodward & Sons 12 Bore Bar Action Sidelock Ejector – Magnificent & Rare

Description:
   ***   SOLD   ***   I have had the huge privilege to work on several of these Woodward ‘Automatic’ sidelock ejectors and have always been impressed by the sheer, uncompromising quality of the gunmaking. Gun no 5166 made in 1897 displays most of the classic styling features of this marque such as the breech side-clips, bolstered tumbler pivots, classic Woodward engraving style, arcaded fences, and unique safety slide but have moved into the ‘modern’ era with wood ‘stocked to the fences’ and beautifully finished 9 pin, bar action sidelocks cocked by Rogers’ lever work. A very unusual feature for hammerless guns are the ‘rebounding’ tumblers on the Stanton principle which ensure that the disc-set firing pins do not hang up. A magnificent double by this top tier gunmaker, it was recently refurbished by Toby Barclay of Heritage Guns UK.   ***   The original Whitworth Fluid Pressed Steel barrels have survived the 120 years extremely well as has the stock and forend woods. Engraving remains wonderfully crisp on locks, action and barrels, with around 50% of original hardening color, and the main focus of our restoration has been to reproof the original 29” barrels for 2 ¾” cartridges, replace pins where necessary and refinish the wood.  This gun’s fabulous condition coupled with our light-touch restoration makes it a very useable, safe and highly collectable double for either game or clays.   ***   The action is of traditional sidelock design and features: Toplever opening, operating a double bite ‘Purdey Bolt’ via a ‘Scott Spindle’; Double triggers bolted by automatic, top tang, Woodward-style safety slide; Bar action, 9 pin sidelocks with bolstered tumbler pivots and rebounding tumblers; Robertson style interceptor sears; Gold lined cocking indicators; Vented disc-set strikers; ‘Perkes’ ejector box; ‘Anson’ forend catch; Much original hardening color; Rounded action bar; Arcaded fences with side-clips. Engraving style Very best foliate scroll. Breech face stamped ‘THE AUTOMATIC’ TRADE MARK’ and ‘JAMES WOODWARD & SONS’. Gold inlaid ‘SAFE’. Top rib, toplever and forend tip with gold inlaid ‘1’. Top rib engraved ‘MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH'S FLUID PRESSED STEEL’.Gun weight: 6lb 15oz. Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front 3 ¾ lb Rear 4 ½ lb.   ***   The original Whitworth steel chopperlump barrels are 29" in length and are chambered for 2 ¾” (70mm) cartridges with soft soldered ribs. Top ribs are of the smooth, concave game type. London reproof for 2 ¾” nitro powder cartridges in 2019. Proof marks are etched into the barrels beside the forend loop. The right barrel of 5166 is bored 0.730 with a constriction of 0.002 for Skeet choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.025. The left barrel of 5166 is bored 0.729 and has a constriction of 0.013 for a tight Improved Cylinder choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.026.   ***   The original Prince of Wales Stock and Splinter Forend is crafted from highly figured walnut, the stock is lightly cast-off for a right-handed shot and features well defined drop points, vacant white metal ovals, horn grip cap and 1” leather covered recoil pad. The forend has a finely engraved steel tip.   ***   The approx. 24 (No.1) lines per inch checkering has been refreshed to its original pattern. The stock is finished with a traditional linseed oil-based preparation as used on best guns by one of the top English makers. This finish uses no grain fillers to achieve its deep, smooth lustre, only many hours of alternate build and flatting off of the surface. Stock dimensions are 14-1/2” by 1-7/16” by 2-5/8”. Cast off for the righthand shot.   ***   Magnificent guns from top tier London gunmakers don’t become available very often. Don’t miss out on this handsome double! ***   US Agent for Heritage Guns UK. Buyer is responsible for all shipping, insurance and related charges. I give a three-day non-firing inspection which begins when the gun arrives at buyer’s FFL or specified address if classified as an Antique. Returns accepted at buyer’s expense.   ***   Come and see this great double and other fine firearms at the MacNab booth at the Southern Side-by-Side Championship & Exhibition April 27th – April 30th, 2023 at Deep River Sporting Clays in Sanford, NC.


 

SOLD

Antique: Yes