Holt's Auctioneers June 2006

'

HOLT'S Auctioneers of Fine Modern & Antique Guns

As preparation for this sale progressed an idea formed that we had been given the perfect opportunity to promote the cause of British gunmakers. There is often a tendency to equate Best British guns with our long standing heritage of gunmaking in a historical context, with not so much of an emphasis on the fact that this heritage is still very much alive and ever expanding.

The following Lots in the sale are an excellent example of the very high standard of gunmaking and engraving in production all over the UK today and that British guns are still very much worthy of their reputation as 'Best Guns'.

HOLT'S Auctioneers of Fine Modern & Antique Guns

INDEX Engravers

p. 4-5

Boss & Co ............................................................................... p. 6-11 E. J. Churchill ...................................................................... p. 12-19 W W Greener .................................................................... p. 20-25 Holland & Holland ........................................................ p. 26-31 W J. Jeffery ............................................................................ p. 32-37 James MacNa ughton .................................................... p. 38-43 James Purdey & Sons .................................................... p. 44-47 Watson Bros. ........................................................................ p. 48-53 William & Son .................................................................... p. 54-59

HOLT'S Auctioneers of Fine Modem & Antique Guns

SALE THURSDAY, 22ND JUNE 2006 A PASS FOR ENTRY MUST BE OBTAINED IN ADVANCE PLEASE TELEPHONE: 01485 542822 FOR DETAILS

ON VIEW

Tuesday 20th June 2006 Wednesday 21st June 2006 Thursday 22nd June 2006

10.00am - 8.00pm 9.00am - 7.00pm 9.00am - until end of sale

Engravers Peter Cusack Peter was born in London in 1955 and later attended the Sir John Cass School of Art at Whitechapel. From 197176 he was apprenticed as an engraver to the stationer W R Royle and subsequently worked for Bradbury Wilkinson the banknote engravers. When they were taken over he moved to Harrisons, part of the Lonrho group, who took up banknote printing and through the parent company were soon producing 5% of the world's currency notes.

When they were taken over in 1997 he tried his hand at gun engraving which by happy chance coincided with Churchill's re-entry into gunmaking and a near neighbour, the late Don Masters, introduced him to them. Peter works freelance from his workshop near Shrewsbury and has also done work for Holland & Holland, Watson Bros, William & Son, Dickson & MacNaughton, David McKay Brown and A A Brown.

Marcus Hunt Marcus was born in London in 1961 and is the son of the legendary engraver Ken Hunt. They moved to the Weybridge area when he was 10 and on leaving school at 16, started working under his father. Paul Roberts gave him his first private commission in 1981 and since then he has done work for Purdey, Holland & Holland, Churchill, Rigby, Jeffery, Westley Richards, David McKay Brown, William Evans and Wharton. He now works from his home near Chipping Norton and specialises in deep relief scroll and gold inlay animals.

David Tallett David is one of the talented Talletts; his two sons Bradley and Wesley are also well known gun engravers. David himself was born in 1948 in Dartford, Kent, where he went to school. He worked initially for a specialist restorer of Rolls Royce and Bentley cars and later set himself up in the same line of business. Self taught, he developed his interest in gun engraving through a love of shooting. A friend who was a Purdey stocker introduced him to them in 1991 and he went to them briefly but was soon operating freelance both for them and Boss & Co, Atkin Grant & Lang, Rigby, David McKay Brown and George Gibbs. His speciality is fine rose and scroll and restoration engravmg.

4

Engravers Keith Thomas Keith was born in 1948 and was apprenticed to Holland & Holland in 1964 where he was taught by Ken Preater.

He stayed with them after completing his apprenticeship until 1977 when he moved to the Aylesbury area. Since 1998 he has lived in north Oxfordshire where he works freelance and has continued to work for Holland & Holland as well as Greener, Watson Bros, Boss & Co, Peter Nelson, Asprey's, A A Brown and Hartmann & Weiss.

Allan Portsmouth Allan was born in 1963 and in 1980 at the age of 16 was apprenticed to Ken Preater of Holland & Holland. In 1984 he went freelance for four years then returned to Holland & Holland for a couple more years experience. He has been engraving freelance since 1990 from his South Harrow home and his favourite work is acanthus scroll.

Amongst others he has done commissions for Asprey's and William & Son.

Donald Denville Simmons Don was born in 1934 and spent his early life around Wembley before moving to Chiswick in 1962. There he lived on a motor yacht until he moved in 1967 to Maidenhead and finally settled in the Windsor area in 1971. He was apprenticed to Holland & Holland around 1949 and started as a finisher but quickly moved to their engraving shop in 1950 where he stayed until his National Service from 1953-56. He then returned to them for a couple more years before moving to Cogswell & Harrison. He met his wife there and they were married in 1963. He was with Cogswell & Harrison until 1990 but at the same time was able to engrave for Churchill and Atkin Grant & Lang.

He then went freelance since when he has done much work for many gunmakers including John Wilkes especially his favourite gold inlay and carving work.

Further details on these and other gunmakers and engravers may be found in "British Gunmakers" Volumes 1 & 2 by Nigel Brown, published by Quiller Press, Wykey House, Wykey, Shrewsbury, Salop, SY4 lJA. Tel. 01939 261616.

5

Boss & Co. Thomas Boss was born in 1790 and in due course apprenticed to his father William, one of Joseph Manton's workmen. Thomas himself continued to work for Manton until c1816 when he split away to set up on his own.

Purdey sent him work at this stage - a further indication of Thomas' high standards. After Thomas's death in 1857, Stephen Grant became the managing partner until 1867 when he in turn set up on his own. The business became Boss & Co. in 1860.

John Robertson, who had worked for many of the best London gunmakers, became a partner in 1891 and this lifted the fortunes of the business and brought his mechanical genius into play for their benefit. His 1894 single trigger patent is still considered one of the best as were his 1909 o/u gun patents Nos 3307/8. The Robertson family retained an interest until the recent move to their new premises.

Boss & Co. were purchased by the Halsey Brothers in 2000 and opened new premises in Mount Street and a new factory at Kew Bridge. Continuing their tradition of building best guns, Boss & Co. currently have a series of exotic commissions underway including a best sidelock ejector over and under double rifle in .470 Nitro Express and another in .375 Magnum for a client in the Middle East. They have just completed a trio of round bodied 12-bore sidelock ejectors for a Spanish client and have recently sold a trio of round-bodied over and under 12-bores to a UK client and a pair of square-bodied 28-bores to a Middle Eastern client.

Graham Halsey, MD said "The combination of old style gunsmithing craft and new modern technology makes this an exciting time for English gunmakers. We have a fantastic tradition to uphold and I believe we are holding true to that tradition".

Boss & Co's side by side guns start at ÂŁ55,000 and over-and-under guns from ÂŁ75,000 (both prices exclude VAT) and new orders will take 2 1/2 years to completed.

Graham or Roy can be contacted at 16 Mount Street, London WlK 2RH (Tel. 020 7493 1127)

6

Boss & Co.

7

\

Boss & Co.

Lot 674 BOSS & CO. -A FINE PAIR OF 20-BORE TALLET-ENGRAVED SINGLE-TRIGGER EASY-OPENING ROUND-BODIED SIDELOCK EJECTORS, serial no. 10095 I 6 27in. nitro chopperlump barrels, ribs engraved 'BOSS & CO. 13. DOVER STREET. PICCADILLY. LONDON. Wl.',

2 3/4in. chambers, bored approx. true cyl and imp cyl in both, Boss patent non-selective single triggers, rolled-edge triggerguards, removable striker discs, gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, best bouquet and scroll engraving, retaining virtually full original colour-hardening and finish , 15 1/4in. exhibition grade replacement stocks and fore-end woods by the makers, weight Sib. 12oz., in their lightweight leather motorcase with canvas outer. The maker's have kindly confirmed that the guns were completed in 1994. £60,000-80,000

8

Boss & Co.

9

B

10

0

ss &

c o G unmakers

Boss & Co.

11

12

E. J. Churchill Edwin John Churchill was born at Colliton near Dorchester, Dorset c1855. Apprenticed there to W Jeffrey & Son he moved to London on completion of his training and worked for F.T. Baker eventually becoming his manager.

He set up on his own in 1891 and was later joined by his nephew Robert Churchill in 1899. The early success of the business was founded on supplying guns and cartridges to the many trap pigeon shooters and only later Robert was to make the 25in. barrels and light game loads popular for which the business is best known. On Edwin's death in 1910 Robert took over and ran the business until his death in 1958 after which it became part of the Churchill Atkin Grant & Lang combine. In recent years the business has been reformed with factory and shooting grounds where their new high tech o/u guns are produced together with their side by side guns and rifles on the most modern machine tooling with traditional finishing techniques.

E. J. Churchill's output consists mostly of .375 bolt-action rifles, .375 and .470 double rifles as well as over and under and side-by-side shotguns. They are building self-opening guns on both the Baker and Holland & Holland designs and currently have a pair of sidelever guns in production.

They can be contacted at Park Lane, Lane End, High Wycombe, Bucks HP14 3NS (Tel. 01494 883227).

13

E. J. Churchill

Lot 551 A FINE, VIRTUALLY UNUSED MARCUS HUNT-ENGRAVED .300 MAGNUM NITRO EXPRESS SIDELOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE BY E.J. CHURCHILL, serial no. 10161

24in. nitro chopperlump barrels, deeply scroll-engraved sight rib gold-inlaid with the maker's name and calibre designation, open sights for 50, 100 and 200 yards with gold-inlaid sight lines, gold-washed ramp-mounted bead foresight with flip-up moonsight inset with a ruby, heavily-bolstered treble-grip action with removable striker discs, manual safety, gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, chequered triggers, rolled-edge triggerguard, finely engraved with best bold stylized acanthus on a matt background, the top-strap and fore-end iron engraved en-suite, the sideplates finely engraved with a snow leopard in mountainous terrain and a wild boar in a woodland setting, lockplates and triggerplate signed 'M.A. HUNT', the triggerplate dated '03, 14 3/4in. highly-figured pistolgrip stock with cheekpiece, ivory pistolgrip-cap and 3/4in. rubber recoil pad, weight 9lb. 2oz., in its brass-cornered elephant hide bound oak case with canvas outer and full complement of ivory-handled accessories. The maker's have kindly confirmed that the rifle was completed as one of a pair in 2003. ÂŁ30,000-40,000

14

E. J. Churchill

15

E. J. Churchill

Lot 552 A FINE, VIRTUALLY UNUSED MARCUS HUNT-ENGRAVED .500 (3IN) NITRO EXPRESS SIDELOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE BY E.J. CHURCHILL, serial no. 10162

24in. nitro chopperlump barrels, deeply scroll-engraved sight rib, gold-inlaid with the maker's name and calibre designation, open sights for 50, 100 and 200 yards with gold-inlaid sight lines, gold-washed ramp-mounted bead foresight with flip-up moonsight inset with a ruby, heavily-bolstered treble-grip action with removable striker discs, manual safety, gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, chequered triggers, rolled-edge triggerguard, finely engraved with best bold stylized acanthus on a matt background, the top-strap and fore-end iron engraved en-suite, the sideplates finely engraved with an elephant and a rhino in a savannah setting, the lockplates signed 'M.A. HUNT', 14 3/4in. highly-figured pistolgrip stock with cheekpiece, ivory pistolgrip-cap and 3/4in. rubber recoil pad, weight lllb. 9oz., in its brass-cornered elephant hide bound oak case with canvas outer and full complement of ivory-handled accessories. The maker's have kindly confirmed that the rifle was completed as one of a pair in 2003. ÂŁ40,000-50,000

16

E. J. Churchill

17

E. J. Churchill

18

E. J. Churchill

19

E. J. Churchill

*Lot 675 E.J. CHURCHILL - A FINE PAIR OF NEW AND UNUSED CUSACK-ENGRAVED 20-BORE 'PREMIERE' SINGLE-TRIGGER ROUNDED-BAR OVER AND UNDER PINLESS SIDELOCK EJECTORS, serial no. 1101 I 2

31in. magnum proof nitro barrels with 6mm matt top-rib, numbers 1 and 2 gold-inlaid in a shield and with scroll engraving at the breech ends, 2 3/4in. chambers, bored approx. 1/4 and 1/2 choke, hold-open toplevers, automatic safeties, rounded bar actions, non-selective single triggers, double rolled-edge triggerguards, gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, actions and lockplates profusely engraved with fine acanthus scrolls, the maker's name gold-inlaid within an elaborate cartouche, the undersides gold-inlaid 'E.J. CHURCHILL. PREMIERE' surrounding finely engraved vignettes of grouse and partridge in flight, 15 1/4in. highly-figured stocks with Prince of Wales grips and including lin. rubber recoil pads, weight 6lb. 12oz. The guns are supplied with a best brass-cornered lightweight leather case with canvas outer and accessories. The maker's have kindly confirmed that the guns were completed in 2004.

Please note VAT at 17.5% is applicable on this Lot. ÂŁ60,000-80,000

20

E. J. Churchill

21

22

W. W. Greener William Greener was born in Felling near Newcastle on Tyne. He was apprenticed to John Gardner of Newcastle and after finishing his training went to London where he was lucky enough to get employment with John Manton, brother of Joseph. In 1829 he returned to Newcastle, then in 1844 set up in Birmingham with an outlet in London where at the Great Exhibition in 1851 he took the highest award for guns and barrels and received Royal Patronage.

His son William Wellington Greener purchased the business on his father's death in 1867. W.W. Greener, like his father, wrote several books on guns and shooting, and set about developing the new breech loading designs which his father had disliked. He invented their famous cross bolt and wedge fast action and the Facile Princeps design made to this day.

A branch was opened in Hull in 1895 probably in part to develop the Harpoon gun market started by his father but that closed at the start of World War I. The London branch re-opened in 1878 and continued until 1967. The firm made prodigious efforts in the cause of both World Wars and even helped save production of the famous Spitfire with their deep barrel boring machinery.

In 1985 the business was put back on the map when a group of family and some of the finest craftsmen from Birmingham acquired it and restarted production of best guns only, including their famous Facile Princeps (Easily the Best) and St. George models now in demand all over the world.

Currently W.W. Greener are making a new presentation 12-bore hammergun for an American client with a gold engraved game scene by Alan Brown. Mr. Brown has a waiting list of about ten years and Greener has a couple of commissions with him. They are making four .375 double rifles based on the firm's original Facile Princeps action for various customers. The first one will be finished shortly.

They are also making a set of six sidelocks in 12, 20 and 28-bore. All will have interchangeable steel and damascus barrels. They are also making Facile Princeps shotguns in 20-bore.

Greener's are reintroducing a range of humane killers for livestock. "We invented them in 1895", says Graham Greener, "The Humane Slaughter Association asked us to bring us them back."

All Greener guns are presentation or exhibition quality. A standard sidelock with fine scroll engraving and some gold work costs ÂŁ50,000 with casing extra. Delivery time for sidelocks is 21;2 years. "We've had a full order book since 1987, we don't advertise and we hardly go to shows." says Graham Greener.

They can be contacted at WW. Greener (Sporting Guns) Ltd., The Mews, Hagley Hall, Hagley, Wares. DY9 9LG (Tel. 01666 510351).

23

W. W. Greener

Lot 652 W.W. GREENER - A FINE PAIR OF VIRTUALLY UNUSED THOMAS-ENGRAVED

12-BORE SELF-OPENING SIDELOCK EJECTORS, serial no. 69860 I 1 28in. nitro chopperlump barrels, ribs engraved 'W.W. GREENER LTD. BELMONT ROW. BIRMINGHAM. ENGLAND', 2 3/4in. chambers, bored approx. imp cyl and 1/4 choke, Holland & Holland patent self-opening system, rolled-edge triggerguards, best acanthus scroll engraving, triggerplates engraved 'K. THOMAS. ENG', retaining virtually full original colour-hardening and finish, 14 5/8in. highly-figured stocks, weight 6lb. lOoz., in their brass-cornered oak and leather case with canvas outer and full complement of nickel-plated and wood accessories. £30,000-35,000

24

W. W. Greener

25

W. W. Greener

26

W. W. Greener

27

Holland & Holland Harris John Holland was born in 1806. He started out as a tobacconist c1835, by 1848 was a tobacconist and gunmaker and by 1857 was described only as a gunmaker. His early guns were signed H (or H J) Holland. Having no children he took his nephew Henry William Holland on as apprentice in 1860 and into partnership in 1876 when the business name became Holland & Holland. The "Royal" trademark still in use today only for the business's best quality guns and rifles was granted in 1885, just after the famous Field Rifle Trials of 1883 in which they were extremely successful. This brought their products to the notice of the world.

After two World Wars in which they played a magnificent part, especially WWII when they put up almost all the sniper equipment for the British army, direct family involvement ceased with the death of Col. Holland in 1958.

Malcolm Lyell became Managing Director in 1960 and set about re-energising the business very successfully, especially the apprentice training side. Their products of Excellence range starting in the 1960s brought both good publicity and raised working standards to their present peak as can be seen in their recent high tech o/u models in conjunction with their Royal guns and rifles. They hold Royal Warrants from HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.

Holland & Holland is re-introducing the Paradox gun after nearly 70 years. A combination gun that can fire both shot and metallic rifle cartridges. It is based on the design patented by Col. G.V Fosbery (VC.) in 1885, utilising a rifled section of choke, enabling either pellets or bullet to be fired though the same barrel. Henry Holland snapped up the rights and most aptly named it the "Paradox". Capable of producing even shot patterns and repeatedly grouping heavyweight bullets well within a hand-span at 100 yards assured it was an immediate success, resulting in some 1,500 guns being built over a 40-year period. Africa and India proved to be the ideal stage to demonstrate the Paradox's full potential.

The new Paradox model is endowed with all the handling characteristics of a classic shotgun, making it ideal for quick snap shots in scrub or forest, such as when wild boar hunting. Eastern Europe and in particular Russia has for some time now been identified as an emerging market for Holland & Holland.

In response to this, Holland & Holland is also opening a showroom in Moscow. Located at Skolkovskoe shosse 31, building 1, "SportHit Complex", it is due to open in September 2006.

Daryl Greatrex or Patrick Murphy can be contacted at 31 & 33 Bruton Street, London WlJ 6HH (Tel. 020 7499 4411).

28

Holland & Holland

29

Holland & Holland

Lot 668 HOLLAND & HOLLAND - A FINE, VIRTUALLY UNUSED PAIR OF 'ROYAL' 12-BORE SINGLE-TRIGGER OVER AND UNDER SIDELOCK EJECTORS, each with two sets of barrels, serial no. 51053 I 4

28in. nitro barrels with 7mm matt top-ribs, 2 3/4in. chambers, multi-chokes, bolstered actions with hold-open toplevers, non-selective single-triggers, rolled-edge triggerguards, hand-detachable lockplates, gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, automatic safeties, best bold acanthus scroll engraving surrounded and invaded by strapwork, bright finish overall, gold-washed internals, 14in. exhibition grade semi-pistolgrip stocks with horn pistolgrip-caps, weight 7lb. lOoz. The maker's have kindly confirmed that the guns were completed with the extra barrels in 1999. ÂŁ70,000-90,000

30

Holland & Holland

31

Holland & Holland

32

Holland & Holland

33

W. J. Jeffery William Jackman Jeffery was born in 1857. Little is known about his early years but it is believed he worked for Cogswell & Harrison in the early 1880's and briefly became P. Webley & Son's London manager in 1887 before setting up in his own name in 1889. There was a short interlude between 1890 and 1891 when it was known as Jeffery & Davies before reverting to W.J. Jeffery & Co. Over the years Jeffery took out a number of patents often associated with the rifles and ammunition for w~h the firm was best remembered. Of them pride of place must go to the .600 Nitro Express whose 'J' type bullet was so called after Jeffery who died in 1909.

The company was re-invigorated in 1959 when it became part of Holland & Holland and in 2000 Paul Roberts, the well-known Gunmaker and Big Game hunter took over running the business.

The nucleus of Paul Robert's workforce have remained with him since his days of producing guns and rifles under the J. Rigby & Co. name. This valuable pool of experienced and highly skilled craftsmen have continued to build guns and rifles under the Jeffery name to the same high standards. Engravers such as Ken Hunt and son Marcus are regularly used, and new up-and-coming engravers like Andy Miles have been located. Continental engravers are commissioned as well including such famous names as Stefano Pedretti and Aldo Rizzini. Paul Roberts has completed over thirty African safaris and has taken the "Big Five" and more besides. With Roberts' knowledge and his ex-Rigby team's experience, W J. Jeffery & Co. are able to build beautifully crafted guns with the focus on perfect function. Roberts maintains that a gun may be beautiful, but must work to be worth the money.

W J. Jeffery & Co. has its order books full today, specialising in magazine and double rifles in calibres ranging from .243, through the ever popular .375 and 9.3x74R, to 'Dangerous Game' rounds like the .416 Rigby and the mighty .500 and .600 Nitro Expresses.

Magazine rifle prices start at £5,500 with the most elaborate costing in excess of £14,000, depending on specifications. Double rifles range from boxlock ejectors at £22,000 to best sidelock ejectors at up to £50,000, again depending on specifications.

WJ. Jeffery & Co. also build shotguns in 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410 bore. Boxlock and sidelock ejectors are available to order and prices start at just £10,000 for a boxlock and £30,000 for a sidelock.

Paul can be contacted at 22 Wyvill Road, Vauxhall SW8 2TG (Tel. 020 7622 1131).

34

w.

J. Jeffrey

35

W. J.Jeffery

*Lot 673 W.J. JEFFERY & CO. -A FINE PAIR OF NEW AND UNUSED PEDRETTI-ENGRAVED 20-BORE SELF-OPENING SIDELOCK EJECTORS, serial no. 40615 I 6 29in. nitro chopperlump barrels, tubes engraved 'W.J. JEFFERY & CO. LONDON. ENGLAND', 2 3/4in. chambers, bored approx. 1/4 and 3/4 choke, Holland & Holland patent self-opening systems, arcaded fences, articulated front-triggers,

best fine bouquet and scroll engraving, retaining full colour-hardening and finish, 15 1/4in. exhibition grade stocks, weight 6lb. 2oz., in a brass-cornered lightweight leather case. The maker's have kindly confirmed that the guns were completed in 2001/2.

Please note VAT at 17.5% is applicable on this Lot. £35,000-45,000

36

W. J. Jeffery

37

W. J. Jeffery

38

W. J. Jeffery

39

Dickson & MacNaughton James MacNaughton, gunmaker and patentee, was first recorded in Edinburgh in 1864. Amongst other inventions his most enduring design was for the very first round action gun with triggerplate lockwork and frequently with bar in wood stocking (Pat. no. 2848 of 1879). This inspired others in the Scottish trade to bring out their own versions of his designs including John Dickson and more recently David Mckay Brown.

His business was successful and a further branch was opened in Perth c 1897 but closed a few years after his death in 1905. The main business continued and was taken over by John Dickson & Son Ltd., in 1947 and later moved into their premises at 21 Frederick Street.

In 1995 the MacNaughton name was re-vitalised by a small group of dedicated backers and craftsmen who acquired the MacNaughton business and records and set about rebuilding the brand and superlative quality guns. They also acquired the famous Dan'l Fraser rifle business and only two years after purchasing MacNaughton's came back and took over Dicksons itself.

Now under the name of Dickson & MacNaughton they are again building superb shotguns and rifles, both double barrelled and magazine models, under those two names and also under the names of the others already in their group such as Alex. Martin, Alex. Henry, Joseph Harkom and Thomas Mortimer. In 2001 new factory premises and shooting grounds were set up at Dunkeld to handle the new work and testing of the various models.

This Scottish firm is building round-action Dickson's, mainly to order and the majority in 20-bore, and has just completed a gun to commemorate John Dickson. "We've never managed to have a gun in the rack because we build so many for customers," says D&M's Barry Wilcox.

D&M has one 12-bore, two pairs and a single 20-bore in this style coming through. It is also building a single and a pair of bar-in-wood McNaughton shotguns in 12-bore, a pair of Mortimers with rounded actions which are currently at the hardeners, and a 28-bore based on the Alex. Henry action. A significant percentage of the firm's customers are Scottish. "The Scots are very loyal to us." says Barry Wilcox, "The bulk of the orders are for Scotland. One pair is being built for America, one for another overseas customer and there's a single gun for an English customer."

After it has been round the game fairs this summer, the John Dickson commemorative shotgun will be for sale for around ÂŁ50,000.

Barry can be contacted at 21 Frederick Street, Edinburgh EH2 2NE (Tel. 0131 225 4218).

40

Dickson & MacNaughton

41

Dickson & MacNaughton

Lot 664 JAMES MACNAUGHTON - A FINE PAIR OF VIRTUALLY UNUSED SIMMONS-ENGRAVED 16-BORE SIDELOCK EJECTORS, serial no. 5100 I 01 28in. nitro chopperlump barrels, ribs engraved 'JAMES MACNAUGHTON & SONS. EDINBURGH', 2 3/4in. chambers,

bored approx. 1/2 and full choke, fences finely relief engraved with vine leaves and grapes, automatic safeties, rolled-edge triggerguards, gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, the actions, furniture and lockplates profusely engraved with creeping vines, vine leaf and grape motifs on a matt background, the fore-end irons engraved en-suite, triggerplate signed 'Engr. D.D.S.', retaining virtually full original colour-hardening and finish, with gold '1', '2' and 'SAFE' details, 15 1/8in. highly-figured stocks, weight 6lb. 6oz., in their brass-cornered oak and leather case with named accessories and canvas outer. The maker's have kindly confirmed that the guns were completed in December 1999 ÂŁ20,000-25,000

42

Dickson & MacNaughton

43

Dickson & MacNaughton

44

Dickson & MacNaughton

45

James Purdey & Sons James Purdey was born in 1784 and after his apprenticeship worked for Joseph Manton and became his head stocker. He later went to the Rev. Dr Forsyth in 1808 where he learned about his new percussion system and finally set up on his own in 1816. In 1841 he became Master of the Gunmakers Company. His son, also James, invented the Purdey bolt and toplever and in 1880 shrewdly obtained the rights to Beesley's self opening gun action still in use to this day. The business has held the Royal Warrant to successive sovereigns since the days of Queen Victoria.

Although family ownership of the business continued only until the early post WWII days it is pleasant to be able to report that the present Managing Director is Richard Purdey, a descendant of the original family, who was brought in to ensure smooth administration and wise financial planning of the modern business. Nowadays the most modern tooling systems are employed whilst at the same time the traditional finishing techniques are still taught and used to ensure that the final product is still the best that can be produced and will last many lifetimes if properly maintained by their factory craftsmen.

James Purdey & Sons has completed its first side by side and over-and-under .410 guns built on the all new "scaled down" assisted opening actions. Designed by Purdey deputy chairman Nigel Beaumont and the company's CNC design and machine shop manager Ian Clarke, the new guns are significantly lighter and smaller than normal, but with perfect proportions (previously, Purdey .410s were built on filed down 28 bore actions). The over-and-under is built to the Woodward patent. They retain trigger guards, triggers, stock and hand of normal scale, while the action body, or receiver, has been reduced in scale to match that of the .410 gauge barrels, available up to 30 inches in length.

Most significantly Purdey has managed to keep the weight of the guns above 5lb on the side by side, and 5lb 2oz on the over-and-under, but both can be heavier and weighted, a critical factor for optimum balance and shootability.

"These new .410s look absolutely right for light small gauge actions,'' says Nigel Beaumont, "and yet they perform and shoot every bit as well as their larger and heavier Purdey siblings. This has been achieved by our new CNC design and machining facilities which have allowed us to produce scaled down .410 action bodies, as opposed to using 28 gauge actions".

"We believe that these new guns will become a must-have for providing the added challenge for all sport, particularly quail hunting which requires the combination of weight and balance for speed of mount and swing."

Prices start at ÂŁ52,200 for the side by side, and from ÂŁ62,200 for the over-and-under. Delivery is 18 to 21 months from date of order for guns with standard fine rose and scroll engraving. James Purdey & Sons also builds side by side and over-and-under shotguns in 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauge.

Please contact Peter Blaine or Ian Andrews at Audley House, 57/58 South Audley Street, London WlK 2ED (Tel. 020 7499 1801).

46

James Purdey & Sons

47

James Purdey & Sons

48

Ja mes Purdey & Sons

Richard Purdey

49

James Purdey & Sons

Lot 755 A FINE, VIRTUALLY NEW AND UNUSED J. PURDEY & SONS 20-BORE ROUNDED-BAR SELF-OPENING SIDELOCK EJECTOR WITH TWO SETS OF BARRELS, serial no. 30079 (original barrels) 28in. nitro chopperlump barrels, tubes engraved 'J. PURDEY & SONS. LONDON. ENGLAND',

(extra barrels by the maker's in 2005) 30in. nitro chopperlump barrels, 2 3/4in. chambers, bored approx. imp cyl and 1/4 choke in both, action with rounded bar, removable striker discs, gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, best fine bouquet and scroll engraving, retaining virtually full original colour-hardening and finish, 15 3/8in. very highly-figured stock, weight 5lb. 12oz. (28in.) and 6lb. 2oz. (30in.), in its brass-cornered oak and leather case with canvas outer and full complement of Purdey accessories. The maker's have kindly confirmed that the gun was completed in 2004. ÂŁ35,000-45,000

50

James Purdey & Sons

51

Watson Bros.

Thomas William Watson, son-in-law of William Tranter, set up in business in 1875 at his London premises, which had belonged to Durs Egg, in 1878. Thomas passed the business to his two sons in 1885 when it became Watson Bros. A. H. Watson, one of the sons of the founder retired aged 78 in 1935 when Grant & Lang absorbed the business which had specialised in small gauge guns. Arthur D. Watson became Grant & Lang's sales director.

The name survived the various reorganisations of the Grant & Lang group and in 1984 was acquired and briefly formed into a combine known as Hellis Beesley & Watson. In 1989 Michael Louca from Purdey's took over the Watson business which under his leadership became Watson Bros Gunmaker's Ltd. at their present address. He uses his Purdey training to produce only the best quality side by side and o/u guns and rifles with a small dedicated team of craftsmen.

Watson Bros. have recently been specialising in the unusual. A UK-based client has ordered a 4-bore double rifle with 25in. barrels to weigh 22lb. and to be carved with African game scenes. They have also been commissioned to make a 4-bore shotgun for another UK client. This one will weigh in at 15lb. with a 34in. barrel on Watson's own action. Most unusual of all, they are making a three-barrelled round-body side-by-side-by-side for a UK client with 28in. barrels and single trigger to weigh 6lb. 6oz. The firm is currently getting it ready for proof.

Watson's over-and-under guns start at ÂŁ45,000 and side-by-side guns at ÂŁ33,000.

Michael can be contacted at 39 Redcross Way, London Bridge, SEl lHG. (Tel. 020 7403 3367).

Visitors by appointment only.

52

Watson Bros.

53

Watson Bros.

Lot 813 A FINE, VIRTUALLY UNUSED WATSON BROS. 20-BORE SINGLE-TRIGGER OVER AND UNDER SIDELOCK EJECTOR, serial no. 20095

29in. nitro barrels with 6mm matt top-rib, 2 3/4in. chambers, bored approx. 1/4 and 1/2 choke, hold-open toplever, bolstered action, fences finely relief engraved with a rose, pierced triggerguard also with a rose, non-selective single trigger, rolled-edge triggerguard, cocking-indicators, bold acanthus scroll engraving on a matt background, bright finish, 15in. exhibition grade 'sunburst' stock, weight 6lb. Soz., in its lightweight leather case with canvas outer. The maker's have kindly confirmed that the gun was completed in 2004 and that the carving was undertaken by Keith Thomas. ÂŁ22,000-26,000

54

Watson Bros.

Watson Bros.

56

Watson Bros.

-~::_~-<.t-"N1v1·-~.® &'! :r;:JB lfl ,!) ~ 1"~.,~r­

J(.$uw&:@P.1.·.:~~ ..mu i;Nct JJ

R

~!'l 's ~

39 REDCROSS WAY. LONDON BRIDGE · SE!

57

William & Son The William & Son gunmaking business started in August 2000 at 10 Mount Street as part the gunmaking side of William R Asprey Esq. William had been running the gunroom at Asprey's for some years and decided to start on his own. Due to confusion over the two similar names he changed the business name to William & Son and recently the expanding gunroom has moved into is own dedicated premises at 14 Mount Street, London WlK 2TY (Tel. 020 7493 8385). There they build only best guns and rifles using their team of highly trained London craftsmen.

William & Son is making its first commissioned double rifle. The .300 will be a side-by-side sidelock ejector, double trigger, classic English gunmaking in the Holland & Holland style. The customer wants to use it for driven wild boar. They are producing side by sides in all calibres, over and unders in 20-bore and bolt rifles. They are working on the designs for over and unders in different calibres and the 12-bore should be ready for production shortly.

They have just completed a pair of 20-bore side by sides and a part way through making their first 'garniture' of guns in 12-bore which will be game-engraved.

"Gunmaking does have a future," says William & Son's William Asprey. "Once you get your name out there and the quality of your products is recognised, people will come to you. William & Son is a young company with an emphasis on quality and service and we are supplying guns at competitive prices".

Prices for side by sides start at £36,500, over and unders at £40,000, double rifles at £55,000 and bolt rifles from £12,500.

58

William & Son

59

William & Son

*Lot 685 WILLIAM & SON - A FINE PAIR OF NEW AND UNUSED PORTSMOUTH-ENGRAVED 28-BORE SELF-OPENING PINLESS SIDELOCK EJECTORS, serial no. 3007 I 8 28in. nitro chopperlump barrels with stylized acanthus scrollwork at the breech-ends, the ribs gold-inlaid 'WILLIAM & SON' and engraved '10 MOUNT STREET. LONDON', 2 3/4in. chambers, bored approx. 1/4 and 1/2 choke, Holland & Holland

self-opening systems, double rolled-edge triggerguards, gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, actions and lockplates deeply carved with bold floral and acanthus scrollwork on a matt background with feathered borders, the fore-end irons engraved en-suite, gun No.1 depicting grouse in flight over a moorland setting on the left lockplate, a covey of partridge breaking cover on the right lockplate and woodcock in a woodland setting on the underside and gold-inlaid with the maker's name, the toplever finely engraved with the portrait of a labrador, gun No.2 depicting ducks taking flight on the left lockplate, pheasant in a woodland setting on the right lockplate and a snipe in a marshland setting on the underside and gold-inlaid with the maker's name, the toplever finely engraved with the portrait of a labrador, all lockplates signed 'A. PORTSMOUTH', bright finish overall, 16in. highly-figured stocks, weight Slb. lOoz., in their brass-cornered leather case with accessories and canvas outer.

Please note VAT at 17.5% is applicable on this Lot. ÂŁ60,000-80,000

60

William & Son

William & Son

62

William & Son

63

William & Son

64

The Gunmakers Company Charitable Trust Trustees: R M Mitchell (Chairman), GB Archer, J Browning, N J Holt D.Keith Neal, C Price, C J R Purdey, R Wilkin Secretary: Col W J Chesshyre The Gunmakers Company Charitable Trust has been established in order to provide financial support for the development of craft skills and the new technology associated with the gunmaking trade. We believe that by helping aspiring young gunmakers, and others associated with the trade, we will be able to play an important role in maintaining the reputation for excellence which British gunmaking enjoys worldwide. In addition we will have a more effective way of supporting welfare causes associated with the gun trade and with specialist welfare causes within the City of London.

Our determination to provide support in these ways has been strengthened by the response to a questionnaire which we recently sent to members of the gun trade and we have received unanimous support for our proposed initiative.

We are aiming at building up an initial fund of ÂŁ1 million which will enable us to launch our awards and grant scheme, having attracted applicants countrywide and selected the most appropriate training resources to meet their special needs.

As political pressure on the field sports and gun control grow, the next decade will be a most important period for the gun trade and our Livery Company and we do hope, therefore, that you will be as generous as possible in supporting our new Charity. Everyone who gives ÂŁ1,000 or more will be recognised as a Founder Donor, and those who can give donations of ÂŁ5,000 or more will be known as Founder Benefactors.

We very much hope that you will feel able to help us and any of the trustees will be glad to answer any questions that you may have about our proposals and recognition of your support.

65

HOLT'S Auctioneers of Fine Modern & Antique Guns Definitions 1. The Auctioneers' means Holt & Company Auctioneers Limited of Modern and Antique Guns.

The Auctioneers' means the representative of Holt & Company Auctioneers Limited of Modern and Antique Guns conducting the sale; The hammer price' means the price at which any lot is knocked down to a buyer.

'Deliberate forgery' means an imitation made with the intention to deceive as to authorship, origin, age or source, which is not so described in the catalogue and which has a value materially less than if it had been in accordance with the description in the catalogue.

12.No lot shall be removed until the purchaser has paid in full for it and for any other lots purchased.

13. Interest calculated at 2% above the base rate prevailing at National Westminster Bank PLC shall be payable at the Auctioneer's discretion as well as the purchase price on any accounts not settled within 14 working days following the sale.

14.Third party cheques will not be accepted in payment.

15.By making a bid, prospective purchasers acknowledge acceptance of these conditions.

3. The Auctioneer shall have absolute discretion to withdraw, alter or combine with any other lot all lots offered for sale.

4. All lots are offered subject to any reserve prices imposed by the vendor.

5. Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of the catalogues, the Auctioneers accept no responsibility for any inaccuracies contained therein.

6. Lots shall be held to be at the buyer's risk from the fall of the hammer.

7. Legal title shall not pass to the buyer until the purchase price together with the premium has been paid in full.

Conditions concerning buyers 8. A buyer's premium of 17.5% (exclusive of VAT) will be added to the hammer price of all lots sold.

9. Buyers will be required to supply to the Auctioneers their names and addresses and if required , a deposit, immediately after the fall of the hammer.

10.Commission bids will be executed free of charge but must reach the Auctioneers by 6pm on the day preceeding the sale. Telephone commission bids must be confirmed in writing.

11 .The buyer shall not rely purely upon the catalogue description but shall satisfy himself as to the physical condition and the description of each lot.

22.A withdrawal fee of 25% plus VAT of the lower estimate (or reserve price, if there is one) shall be payable to the Auctioneers for any lot withdrawn prior to sale after it has been catalogued .

23. The vendor indemnify the Auctioneers against any claim relating to goods sold on his/her behalf.

The Auction 2. The highest bidder shall be the buyer. In the event of any dispute, the Auctioneer's decision shall be final.

21.All lots wi ll be sold at the Auctioneer's discretion unless written instructions to the contrary are received.

Any reserve figure placed upon a lot shall be confidential between the vendor and the Auctioneers. In the event of a lot failing to reach its reserve, the Auctioneers shall be entitled to a commission of 5.9% (inclusive of VAT) of the reserve price, unless alternative charges have been previously agreed.

Conditions concerning vendors 16.Goods delivered to the Auctioneers shall be deemed to be for sale by auction unless contrary instructions are given at the time or in advance.

17.All goods will be insured by the Auctioneers whilst in their custody or on their premises unless written instructions to the contrary are received . The value of the cover shall be the gross selling price of the goods, or in the case of unsold lots or lots withdrawn before sale, the auction value as estimated by the Auctioneers. The premium of insurance cover shall be £1.50 (+ VAT) per £100. The minimum charge will be £1 .50 (+ VAT) per Lot. 18. The Auctioneers shall not be responsible for accidental damage or loss unless directly caused by the negligence of their staff.

19.The vendor authorises the Auctioneer to deduct commission (at a minimum of £10 per lot) and any other proper expenses from the hammer price. He/She also accepts the Auctioneers right to retain any premium paid by the purchaser.

20.The Auctioneers shall have the right to photograph and illustrate any lot consigned for sale and to use such photographs at their discretion. The vendor accepts without further consultation that a charge per illustrated lot may be made towards photographic expenses. The charge imposed will be at the Auctioneers discretion and will not exceed £300. No charge will be made for any unsold lot.

24.A vendor who enters for sale goods which are assets of a VAT registered business must disclose this fact to the Auctioneers. He/she must also provide his/her registered number and indicate whether of not he/she intends to operate the Special Scheme for Antiques and Works of Art. 25.The Auctioneers act as agents only and therefore shall not be accountable to the vendor for any sum until payment has been received from the buyer.

Forgeries 26.Should any lot prove to be a deliberate forgery, the Auctioneers, upon receipt of written notice of th is fact within one year of the sale, shall rescind the sale or repurchase the lot for an amount equal to the hammer price plus premium (inclusive of VAT), provided that: (a) The lot is returned in the same condition as at the time of the sale; (b) Written proof of the forgery accompanies the lot and the buyer demonstrates to the reasonable satisfaction of the Auctioneers that in light of the catalogue description the lot is a deliberate forgery; (c) The general opinion of scholars and experts at the time of the sale would have indicated that the lot was a deliberate forgery; or (d) Scientific processes in existence at the time of the sale wou ld be established that the lot was a deliberate forgery.

The benefit of this condition is not assignable.