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.

Note the weight!

Weighing less than some English 2" guns this gun balances extremely well with a very lively feeling between the hands. The case color is near 90%, the wood finish 90%, the barrel black 80%.

This gun has its original case and hang tag which interestingly enough mentions that the gun was tested with American ammunition. Sold to an American? The original case shows considerable wear but the gun also comes with a Huey style oak & leather case with French fitted tools making an extremely attractive package and a seriously sound investment.

*Note the great drop dimensions , comb and heel and cast. Perfect for most of us.

Definable and undeniable are the great stock dimensions for many. The chokes are tight but for $75.00 a tube we can make them anything you would like to order.

Having been lucky enough to see my share of roosters exiting stage left over the farmer’s fence I really appreciate and love this makers trade label. I love it so much I have one framed and hanging in my office.

* I do have a pair case that would look good with these guns but would be an extra $500.00

I had wondered what was meant by a "BEST" boxlock as in our general trade a best gun is by part of the definition, a sidelock.

This gun has helped me understand what William Evans was talking about when they would advertise “BEST” boxlocks. I dissembled this gun and found inside many features found on London “BEST” sidelocks including bushed firing pins and double safety sears. Further than these features was a high degree of craftsmanship and internal finish and polishing of all internal parts. Examining the interior design and execution of the Evans "BEST" boxlock it became obvious to me they required a very high degree of skilled labor and they would cost considerably more to produce than the average Birmingham boxlock.

This example, built @ 1909, is simply a beautifully executed shotgun and a perfect example of what William Evans referred to as a “London BEST” boxlock. Typically if you can find one of these they rightfully run in a price range considerably more than the Birmingham boxlocks, usually 5-7K. This example we can offer an excellent price as I have knowledge the butt stock wrist was repaired in the past. The repair was professionally done, invisible, and may last for another 100 years but knowing this information I am compelled to list the gun at a price that if a restock was ever needed the owner would not be underwater in the gun.

Stunning engraving, balance, craftsmanship, and wood, this little beauty has much to offer its future owner.

Note the really cool long competition splinter forend (13"!!) and the heavy nitro proofed (2 3/4") 32" steel barrels.

The long length of pull should be an eye catcher for you big guys or we can shorten and even remove the whole stock extension and install a pad.

*Note the excellent stock dimensions (we can add a pad and get you 14 1/2" or anything in between.

This shotgun is very well made and in very nice condition. Featuring elegant English walnut and great stock dimensions for many. It is choked and weighted to make an ideal upland bird gun.

Good stock dimensions on this solid English double. Left choke is a bit tight for my liking as I like to eat my taken game. I am not big on lead poisoning. :)

We can open this choke for only $75.00 and get it done in only a few days normally. Need a longer LOP? We can add a pad for you.

This would make an excellent introduction to an English doubles at an extremely fair price.

As far as I know Manufrance Ideals were never retailed here in the USA but thankfully a few have been brought back by soldiers and sportsman over the years.

*Note that these Ideal guns have besides the classic Purdey patent double under bite a rising third bite similar to the classic and coveted Rigby patent.

This model features the outstanding rising third bite and is built on the respected and radiused trigger plate action. Using coil main springs the internal hammers virtually never fail to fall. As far as I know these guns were never retailed in the USA.

This will make someone in the very near future a very happy upland bird camper!

There is some light pitting in the bores which could be removed but if it were me I would take this light lady afield just as she is and enjoy her doing what she does best.

This is the first 24 gauge shotgun I have ever encountered by an English maker. The barrels while stating the standard Birmingham name and address on the left barrel, feature on the right barrel : "Unico Agent, Jaun Canedo Riv Adavia. 611. Buenos Aires." This obviously indicates this gun was built and retailed for the South American market, a very rare thing indeed for an English gun.

I put a couple of box's through this gun on clays and I shot it very well. This is saying something as most of you know I am a lousy shot!