28"= 7 lbs. 5 oz.

26"= 7 lbs. 3 oz.

Proofed in 1968 this high grade Beretta has many high grade features such as hand detachable locks and a pierced top lever. This gun would make a great sporting clays and pheasant gun.

Does anyone remember the old "Black Velvet" whiskey ads? The one with the stunning woman in the black dress? Seeing this gun in the rack brings forth the same response from seeing that ad… …Let me hold you!

I just looked it up in the Dickson book by Dallas and it says it was competed August 13th 1893. The new barrels appear to be by the maker.

"This is a superb example of the BEST Birmingham sidelock ejector from this highly respected gunmaker, made in the heyday of the British gun trade. It features one of the best known of the esoteric opening systems that featured on many prestigious gunmaker’ s products of the time: the Powell Patent Lift-Up Toplever, more commonly seen on their beautiful hammerguns, rare in a hammerless sidelock."

I have to say this is a truly beautiful shotgun with some of the most sought after features to be found in a BEST sidelock such as bar action locks, safety sears, Deeley ejectors, and auto safety. Heritage Guns have restored the maker’s case to a very high standard. This is a truly beautiful package and at great price.

Note the modern dimensions.

Don't let all those positive attributes distract you from the beauty and craftsmanship in this fine sidelock.

Known as "The Gun makers of the West" (Western England of course!) this firm started business in Bristol in 1876 and were still in business in 1964.

If one wanted to restore the gun it could use new blue on the barrels, a few replacement screws, and a new oil finish. The forend wood could use a few minor repairs.

These climax guns have always been admired for their ergonomic rounded actions and nice balance.

James Woodward 20g. Sidelock ejector with 26” steel barrels. Tons of case color on the locks and beautiful wood with excellent and long dimensions. These prewar 20g. over and under’ s are ever so rare and extremely sought after as they are known for their magic wand quality. Delivered to Abercrombie and Fitch NY on the 29th Dec 1929, the most sought after vintage of British BEST guns. If this Woodward 20g. is a magic wand it was possessed by Merlin.

I find that many look at guns of this type and price and cannot justify the cost but then will go out and buy a new car at this price point and in ten years that car is worth almost nothing. Invest and enjoy a beauty like this little 20 and in ten years it will be worth considerably more than the price, not less or nothing like their 10 year old car. Take this opportunity to make a solid investment while allowing you to own and enjoy what many connoisseurs consider to be the paragon of all shotguns.