June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
Scarce bar-in-wood action is a direct descendant of muzzleloading shotguns. MacNaughton shotguns were extremely high quality guns. He invented the "Edinburgh" hammerless action. He often plated the internals with gold. Many of the 19th century gunmakers such as MacNaughton prided themselves with developing their own systems instead of using existing established action types. They had to invent a new system and also maneuver around existing patents. This example features round blued barrels with solid rib marked "JAMES MACNAUGHTON, 26 HANOVER STREET, EDINBURGH", with single brass bead. Engraved bar-in-wood hammerless "Edinburgh" action finely engraved with scrolls, top of recoil shields marked "MACNAUGHTON/EDINBURGH" across the tops in banners. Long pierced opener displays a translucent cocking indicator system on tang below and is engraved with finely executed scrolls. Action tang also features a gold plated thumb safety switch. Other features include injectors, lever cocking system, gold plated and double triggers. Circassian walnut English straight stock with checkered wrist and checkered horn buttplate, checkered splinter forearm with engraved lever release. Complete with a reproduction cordovan leather English case with brass initials "CMG" applied to top of lid and brass corner protectors. Red velour lined partitioned interior with reproduction James MacNaughton label, two piece wooden cleaning rod, a brass and turned walnut take down tool and screwdriver, wood Gatley snap caps and oiler. Includes brass key. Also includes a letter on the history of this gun from the editor of Shooting Times and Country magazine. The letter states the patent dates from the gun to be 1879, implying a lever cocking system. The ejector mechanism dates from 1889. Excellent condition as professionally refinished showing little use with a few light storage marks. Bores are excellent with some minor marks on right bore. Action and mechanisms are tight and function flawlessly. Case excellent showing little use.
CORRECTION: The barrels are Nitro proofed. Barrel flats stamped “SLEEVED”. Also, one small area of deep pitting on the left barrel, on bottom, near muzzle, with area of discolored bluing around it.
Barrel Wall Thickness
Both - .035"
Choke
Left - L. Mod., Right Cylinder
Internal Bore Diameter
Both - .735"
Manufacturer
J. McNaughton