April 9th & 10th Premier Firearms Sale (MFIRE)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/9/2016
12 bore, Barrels 26-1/8". The firm of John Wilkes in the London gun making scene goes back to 1896. Prior to that year, John Wilkes worked at the shop of James Dugald. When James died in 1896, John Wilkes took over the operation and operated the shop at 1 Lower James Street, Piccadilly Circus, London West, from 1896-1925. This is one of the earlier shotguns in that the top of the barrel is stamped "Late J.D. Dugald & Son Maker To HRH Prince Of Wales". This shotgun is constructed of twist steel browned Damascus barrels. So it would be a fairly early gun, c. 1896-1910. Browned twist barrels have light engraving at breech, with address on full scooped rib. Left barrel is choked "Modified", right barrel is choked "Improved", has auto-ejectors, single bead sight, and deluxe walnut oil finished stocks that are finely checkered at wrist and forearm. It is a box lock action with double set triggers, and lovely fine line master engraving. 14-1/8" LOP from front trigger to black composite butt plate. The wood has been expertly restored. Frame is a soft gun metal grey. Mirror bores. The water table has all the proper English proofs. This gun exhibits all matching numbers on frame, barrel and forend. Shotgun locks up and faces tight as new. This is a fine, early, hammerless, side by side. It is not nitro-proofed.