January 23rd 2016 Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/22/2016
Barrel lengths 30", 12 bore. Offered is a matched pair, best quality, London made, 12 bore double guns. Each gun is numbered "1" & "2" consecutively. Number 1 has a frame of 7553, Barrel 8615, Fore-end not numbered. Number 2 has frame number of 7552, barrel number 8616, fore-end not numbered. The barrels are nitro proofed. Left barrels are choked "full". Right barrels are choked "modified". Auto-ejectors, side lock action, 15" LOP from front trigger to solid red rubber recoil pad. Both shotguns feature full scalloped rib stamped "Watson Bros 29 Old Bond St London. W.". Both have single bead sights, mirror bores, and retain 95-97% of blue, with light engraving at breech, numbered 1 & 2 in gold. Bores are mint. Lock up and face is perfect. The receivers feature intricate master engraved scrolling with florets Release levers have the numbers 1 & 2 in gold. Both have the push button release splinter fore-ends. With all metal parts engraved and the numbers 1 & 2 in gold at release. Frames retains the majority of their soft case colors with engraved fire blued screws. Both sport traditional straight grip English stocks with deluxe walnut, highly figured grain, with fine line checkering and teardrop side panels. Both guns have a owner ID escutcheon at bottom of stock with previous owner's initials engraved. The Watson Brothers opened their shop on Old Bond Street in 1885, where they operated until 1929. Thomas and Arthur Watson died in 1933 and 1935, respectively. During their tenure at Bond Street, their workmanship was so highly prized, they were awarded the official gun maker to the Sultan of Turkey. Aside from a couple of very minor impressions in the wood, these guns have survived the better part of a century in spectacular condition. The firm of Watson Bros. still exists today in London and this exquisite set of doubles deserve a special English case to house this spectacular brace of pre-war doubles