Vintage British Doubles

[8 x 60]

@ Altitudesickness Couple of English wrists for you . Armstrong on the right.

 

[8 x 60]

Here is the one on the left (above post # 41)
I have been trying to post a pccie of this for days, This picture seems the only one that I can post.
Carr Bros, Huddersfield approx 1870's. I know that from the "Not for ball" proof-stamp on the barrel flats. That was done (stamped) for a period during the transition from front-stuffers to breech loaders when choked barrels came in. (I might disagree with the "stamp" as she (allegedly) might shoot a patched .695 ball over a spot pyrodex quite well.)

 

[Gash632]

I had the British double disease bad for over 50 years! It's much better now but I had another attack recently over a Boss double. Fortunately my fever broke before I got the credit card involved!
After owning fine pre war doubles you will get to the point that you discover that there are many great guns made by lesser known makers that are "Best" grade. For example, Stephen Grant is one of those names that I gravitated towards, and owned 3 before selling my last one.

I loved his his use of the side lever opening system and his elegant "arcaded fences" that are a very recognizable Stephen Grant features. You will also start to appreciate Damascus barrel patterns on some early guns. The best of both worlds is nitro proofed Damascus barrels.

I owned a 1905 Stephen Grant side lever opening double with nitro proofed damascus barrels once that was a joy to handle and shoot. It dropped pheasants in S. Dakota just like it did when it was first made using appropriate 2 1/2 inch shells.

Look for clear indications of quality of manufacture and skip over the name if it is not a well known one. There are many great old guns like that. They also sell for less.

Although you have been warned about this English double addiction; you should take heart in that now is as good a pricing as I have ever seen on these fine old guns!

It seems the younger crowd has more interest in commonly available O/U guns than any side by side older double, regardless of build quality. Prices are therefore quite low for excellent quality! Enjoy your new found interest!

 

[CJNJ]

Thanks for the words of encouragement in the midst of my illness!

 

[Altitude sickness]

It is definitely a good time to buy. Especially in 12 gauge