(C) PAIR OF JOSEPH LANG KEYLOCK SIDE BY SIDE SHOTGUNS WITH ENGRAVING AFTER THE LEGENDARY KELL SCHOOL, CASED.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024

Circa 1920 per serial numbers. Chopper lump barrels with diminutive bead front sight on a tapered, matted, narrowing concave game rib with a golden "1" and "2" inlaid at breeches. Engraved "Joseph Lang & Son" and "102 New Bond Street, London" Underside of tubes with serial numbers matching actions, "J.L & S" barrel maker marks for Joseph Lang & Son, and tube numbers (51723-51726) adjacent forearm lumps. Barrel flats with British nitro proofs for a choked 12 gauge at 3 - 1/4 tons, a nominal .729 IBD, with 1 - 1/8 oz of shot, dated 1982. Splinter forearms with reinforced Anson plunger release, inlaid "1" and "2" below plunger, point pattern checkering, and English small scroll on exterior iron. Interior with matching serial number. Gorgeous case colored and engraved keylock plates with scenes of a pheasant flying through a meadow, snipes landing in a marsh, mallards in a marsh, and partridge in a wooded scene, with supported by well-cut English small scroll with beaded borders. While unsigned, the work is outstanding and is likely out of the shop of the legendary Harry Kell. Gold line cocking indicators (one insert missing on left side of gun A), and "AJM" monogram on levers. Carved fences with sideclips and hidden third fasteners. Automatic safety with "SAFE" inlaid in gold ahead of tab, double triggers with a long tang trigger guard engraved with pheasants and scroll en suite. Nicely streaked and fiddlebacked walnut stocks with teardrops, English straight grip with point pattern checkering about the wrist, a brass vanity plate at toe line, and a two-piece skeleton buttplate with checkered butt, engraved en suite. Guns are housed in a leather wrapped brass tabbed case with Joseph Lang & Son trade label in lid and lined in foliage green, with accessories comprising set snapcaps, oil bottle, three piece cleaning rod, and pair wallets, each labelled "1" and "2" respectively, with serial numbers on inside flap, containing pair keys and spare mainsprings. CONDITION: Overall excellent, retaining virtually all of the professionally reapplied finishes, probably executed at time of reproof. Barrel legends are somewhat softened but legible, with some scattered handling marks. Action very good, fit ever so slightly off in a few places, but engraving is crisp and well cut. Case colors with much vibrancy, thinning towards high edges. Stocks excellent with some handling marks and impressions throughout, somewhat heavier on second gun. Mechanically fine, bores bright and shiny, ejectors are strong and in time. A wonderful pair of keylocks with outstanding engraving.

Name

Value

Accessories

Case

Barrel Length

(BOTH) 28"

Barrel Wall Thickness

(A) (L) .023 (R) .022 (B) (L) .028 (R) .027

Chamber

(BOTH) 2 - 3/4"

Choke

(A) (L) .023 (R) .013