October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
(1908) The Paradox was a proprietary name used by Holland & Holland for its famous Fosbury patent ball & shot guns. Other makers came up with various other trade names eg. "Explora" and "Faunetta" by Westley Richards. William Evans simply called his "Ball & Shot". This gun has heavy 28 - 1/8" dovetailed steel barrels with 2" of deeply rifled chokes. They are fitted with vestigial quarter rib with two folding leaf express rear sight on raised front portion. Mid rib in front of sight is engraved "Ball & Shot Gun". Silver bead front sight is longitudinally dovetailed into raised front portion of rib. Tops of barrels are engraved "William Evans (FROM PURDEYS)" "63 Pall Mall, St. James's London." Barrel flats are stamped with serial numbers and London nitro proofs for 7/8 oz shot, long chambers, and "RCHOKE". Scott's serial number is stamped on splinter. A narrow sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Case hardened sidelock action is stocked to the fences and features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), screw grip third fastener engaging dolls head rib extension, bushed strikers, and double triggers. Action is engraved with small scroll borders. "William Evans" is on each lockplate. Blued trigger guard has serial number on tang which extends to case hardened steel grip cap. Lightly figured and streaked European walnut pistol grip buttstock measures 14 - 7/8" over Silver type pad. Stock features drop points, nicely cut point pattern checkering on semi diamond hand, and a small sling loop along with a vacant silver oval on toe line. Matching splinter forend has Anson release. 2 - 3/4" Chambers. Wall thickness: Left: .045, Right: .046. Bore Diameters: Left: .630, Right: 630. Restrictions: Left: approximately .045, right: approx .032. Drop at heel: 2 - 7/16", Drop at comb: 1 - 7/16". No cast. Weight: 7 lbs. 0 oz. Gun is housed in leather case with brass corners. Top is embossed "COMDr MARION EPPLEY" "U.S.N. R. F." (Of Oyster Bay, New York, he was a research chemist and spearheaded the development of cadmium batteries for use by American forces in WWI after the supply from Germany was curtailed. After WWII he was awarded the "Legion of Merit" for service.) Case is lined in green cloth, and has gold embossed black leather Evans label in lid. Case contains a leatherette wallet holding re-loading tools, as well as newly made aluminum paradox bullet mold, sizing die, and roll crimper. Case also contains ebony and brass cleaning rod and two snap caps. CONDITION: The condition of this gun is also a paradox, in that it appears to be in exceptional condition, yet the engraving and matting on the barrels is considerably softened. Whereas the action and stocks appear to be very close to new. Where this serial number dates to 1909, perhaps the barrels were left over or abandoned at Evans shop and fitted to this new gun in the 1920's contemporary with the Commander. Eppley's double rifle is also in this sale. Action and locks retain what appears to be over 95% original case hardening color. Blue on trigger guard and top lever also rates about 90% and appears original. Stocks retain over 90% of a hand rubbed oil finish with oil added on butt with installation of newer pad. Checkering is lightly worn and dark. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Case leather is fine with quite a few scuffs and rubs. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is fine to very fine with some marks and rubs, some through. Accessories are very fine. This lovely little gun could be the perfect candidate for hunting in rifle restricted territory. Paradox guns are generally regarded to be fairly accurate out to 100 yards. MGM41
Accessories
Case, Accessories
Manufacturer
William Evans