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.

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.

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.

The stock is beautiful and in very nice condition showing no oil soaking, repairs, or cracks.

This is an excellent value and I suspect it will not last long.

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.

This excellent boxlock is very attractive with great dimensions, wood, and exceptionally exciting engraving.

*Note the weight, a 30" barreled gun that weighs only 6 lbs. 6 oz.! This is truly a 12g. bird gun one could carry all day.

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.

There is some light pitting and a few small dings in places but has basically sound barrels, in proof, and ring like church bells.

bushed firing pins!

A very nice package and with the very desirable side lever!

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.

The stock extension we will match almost perfect to the butt so it will almost be invisible. Ask for updated pictures as it should be done soon!

Nicely restocked with good dimensions, great wall thickness, and solid chokes, this true trigger plate round action has a lot to offer. There is very light pitting in the bores which could easily be removed (or left). Featuring the classic "eye glass" trigger guard and nice long 29" chopper lump barrels. I love how these guns open by pulling back on the lever behind the trigger guard which is very ergonomic.

If you know me, you will know I love these guns. Give me a call and I would be glad to let you know why.

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 gun is like new! A great opportunity for one to own a British 20g. for a very reasonable price. Note the Long length of pull! With a pad we could get 15 3/4" LOP!

Astonishing as it may seem, this petite flower comes in its original makers case!

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!

I cannot tell you the gun is pristine, it is not. As you can see in the pictures there are plenty of handling marks and the bluing is thin in places. The right bore has a few marks but they are not deep and the walls are extra thick.

This would make a great little .410 to use exactly as is and not having to worry about keeping it perfect. On the flip side it would be a rewarding process to have the barrels blued and stock refinished to make her look spiffy again.