October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
Heir to a large fortune augmented by his marriage to Geraldine Rockefeller, Marcellus Hartley Dodge was an avid yachtsman and equestrian, and was the chairman of the board of a number of arms related companies including UMC, BGI, as well as Remington Arms. In 1929 he ordered this fine shotgun, and was most likely influenced in his choice by the then, very popular books by E. J. Churchill, extolling the virtues of the 25" gun. The "imperial" grade was a second quality sidelock gun, but its very attractive engraving pattern added to its popularity. This gun has 25" dovetailed barrels fitted with slightly raised, matted, Churchill rib. Rear portion of rib is gold inlaid "XXV". Tops of barrels are engraved "E. J. Churchill (Gun Makers) Ltd" and "Orange St Gunworks, Leicester Square, London." Barrel flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2 - 1/2" chambers. Case hardened sidelock action is stocked to the fences and features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, and double triggers. Action and lockplates are engraved with near full coverage varying sized, but large, open shaded acanthus scroll. Scroll on lockplates is very large and is the most recognizable feature of this grade. "E. J. Churchill" is on each lockplate. Bottom of action is gold inlaid with an imperial crown. Engraving work on this particular gun is exceptionally well done. Blued top lever, trigger plate, and trigger guard are also scroll engraved. Serial number is on short tang. Nicely marbled and stump figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14 - 1/4" over brown leather faced Hawkins pad. Classic drop points and point pattern checkering are at grip. The individual initials "MHD" are inlet on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Gun is accompanied by Wikipedia information on Mr. Dodge, and a copy of Churchill ledger page for this gun indicating "special handling care of Remington Arms Ltd", and it was wanted in New York before 1 November. Gun is housed in its original VC leather case with stitched leather corners. A paper label on top printed "M. Hartley Dodge" has notation "This belongs to Philip Timmins". Interior is lined in burgundy cloth and has E. J. Churchill celluloid labels in lid. Case contains original accessories including 2-piece brass and ebony cleaning rod and Churchill marked snap caps and oil bottle. CONDITION: Excellent, original as found. Barrels retain over 95% original blue, slightly silvered at muzzles and on sharp edges, with some light marks, and with a small scattering of scratches mostly on right side. Action and lockplates retain 90 - 95% original case hardening color, silvered on edges of fences and beads from normal hand wear. Blued parts are also excellent with only some light silvering on sharp edges in their brilliant original blue. Stocks retain nearly all of their original hand rubbed oil finish with some light marks. Checkering lightly worn. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Barrels are on face. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is beginning to darken, and has a fair number of scuffs and rubs. Interior cloth is fine with some rubs and soiling. Accessories are fine. An attractive gun, the XXV has a place today in grouse and woodcock covers, where its handiness excels. MGM 103
Barrel Wall Thickness
L .036 R .035
Chamber
2 - 1/2" actual measurement 2-5/8" - ledger page indicates 2 - 3/4"
Choke
L .032 (full) R .018 (mod)
Internal Bore Diameter
L .730 R .731
Length Of Pull
14 - 1/4" neutral cast
Manufacturer
E.J. Churchill