GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
RARE MACNAUGHTON "SKELETON" ROUND ACTION EJECTOR GAME SHOTGUN WITH CASE.JAMES MACNAUGHTONSXS SKELETON ACTION277112GAW/CASE & ACCESSMODERN; C&R(1906) Cal. 12 ga. 2-1/2" Chambers. 28" Boldly patterned Damascus bbls are engraved "James MacNaughton & Sons, 36 Hanover Street, Edinburgh and Perth". Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-1/2" chambers, and 1971 Birmingham re-proofs. Gun is "1" of a pair with "1" engraved on rib, top lever, and on forend iron. Case hardened top lever "skeleton" (action bar partially covered with wood) action features toggling tang safety, pivoting third fastener, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with near full coverage exceptionally well cut and nicely shaded scrolling grape leaves and grape clusters. This interesting engraving is around breech ends of bbls and on rear portion of rib, as well as on trigger guard bow and trigger plate, which extends to rear forming tang, which is engraved with SN. This unusual engraving is of the type attributed to Harry Morris. Nicely fiddle figured and lightly marbled flesh-toned European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/4" over checkered wood butt. Classic point pattern flat top checkering on a grip. There is a gold oval, engraved with monogram "DV" (?) on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: left -.732, right - .732. Bore restrictions: left - .020 (mod), right - .009 (IC). Wall thickness: left - .028, right - .026. Drop at heel: 2-3/8", drop at comb: 1-1/2". Cast slightly off. Weight: 6 lbs. 11 oz. LOP: 14-3/4". Good quality oak and leather two gun case with brass corners is lined in burgundy cloth, and has old MacNaughton label in lid. Case contains some cleaning equipment. CONDITION: Fine, as partially refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of an excellent re-brown, most likely done at time of re-proof, over some light marks, and with a few subsequent scratches, some fairly deep in front of forend release. Action retains traces of orig case hardening color where protected. This color was never very strong, and action actually exhibits very light wear, and is mostly a fine pewter gray, lovely engraving retains all of its detail. Stocks retain nearly all of a hand rubbed oil finish over some old marks. Checkering somewhat worn and filled with oil, especially at borders. Bores are excellent, very lightly frosted. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case appears to be old, but completely refurbished with new exterior leather and interior. Label is foxed, cracked and soiled. This gun is a scarce Scottish classic with excellent measurements. 52186-5 MGM244 (15,000-20,000)