April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
The top of the Churchill line, this finely finished gun has 25" chopper lump barrels with matted Churchill game rib which is gold inlaid "XXV" toward rear. "E. J. Churchill (Gunmakers). ltd." is in gold on top of right barrel, and top of left is engraved with their address. There are 1 - 1/4" triangles of nicely cut scroll at breech ends. Barrel flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2 -3/4" chambers. Case hardened sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and Churchill's quite scarce "repeating trigger" with toggle selector in split between trigger guard bow and tang. With selector in left position triggers act as normal double type, with selector to the right the rear trigger acts as a single trigger, while in this position, triggers also function as double triggers. Action and lockplates are engraved with near full coverage very nicely cut scroll within scroll borders. "E. J. Churchill" is in scroll terminated riband on each lockplate, and bottom of action is gold inlaid "The" "PREMIERE" "Quality". Blued top lever and double beaded trigger guard are engraved with matching scroll, and serial number is on trigger guard tang. Very nicely marbled and lightly figured European walnut horn capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14 - 1/2" over black pad. Stock features classic drop points, closely spaced point pattern checkering at grip, and a vacant gold oval on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Gun is housed in good quality newer leather VC case with stitched leather corners, and canvas outer cover. Case is lined in burgundy cloth and has Churchill label in lid. Case contains cleaning equipment and a pair of Churchill marked snap caps. CONDITION: Fine as partially refinished. Barrels retain nearly all of a professionally done re-black, engraving remains sharp and clear. Action and lockplates retain 40-50% original case hardening color, the balance pewter gray. Trigger guard retains about 20% original blue, mostly where protected on bow. Stocks retain nearly all of a well done hand rubbed oil finish, sharp edges a bit rounded, checkering nicely re-cut. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Barrels are on face. Trigger seems to work well. Case is excellent. MGM218.
Barrel Wall Thickness
(L) .032 (R) .031
Choke
(L) .036 (Extra Full) (R) .016 (Modified)
Internal Bore Diameter
(L) .728 (R) .728
Length of Pull
14 - 1/2" cast about 1/2" off
Paperwork
Yes, price list, consignors notes, Churchill letter copy, factory corres