extremely Rare Winchester "Class A" British Hammer 10 Ga 30" Side by Side Shotgun
Our Assessment: Winchester collectors will all be familiar with their repeating shotguns. The lever action Model 1887 and pump action Models 1893, 1897 and Model 12. When it comes to double barrel shotguns, most will be familiar with the Models 21 and 24. Less common are the first Winchester shotguns which were not produced by Winchester at all. In 1878, P.G. Sanford was tasked with traveling to England to purchase double guns to be sold by Winchester in America. Selling European shotguns under an American brand was not that uncommon at the time, but most lower quality guns were procured from Belgium and Winchester purchased from firms as prestigious as W. C. Scott & Sons. While the guns were sources from multiple firms, they were made to five quality grade with "D" as the lowest grade, increasing in quality to "A" and finally to the "Match Gun".This a Class A Winchester double gun which is in quite good shape given its age. The metal retains much of its original finish while the stocks have been replaced, so the gun looks great. The bores are in good shape and the gun still locks up tight. There were some 10,000 double guns procured by Winchester in total, and given the spread in the grades, there can't be that many Class A's left in this sort of condition. For the discerning Winchester collector, this will make a great addition. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Make: Winchester, these shotguns were produced by W. C. McAntree & Company, Richard Rodman, C. G. Bonehill and W. C. Scott & sons, but were not marked to indicate which maker produced any specific gun.
Model: Class A Hammer Double
Serial Number: 1351
Year of Manufacture: 1879-1884
Gauge: 10 Gauge, Black Powder
Action Type: external Hammer Double Barrel Shotgun with extractor
Barrel Length: 30"
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Cylinder Bore, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the rib.
Weight: 8 lb., 12.4 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The replacement stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, engraved casehardened steel buttplate and engraved steel inlay in the forend tip. The stocks have only a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14" and 13 1/8" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/4", drop at heel 2 7/8". The buttplate has wear and erosion at the heel and toe with good case color in the middle. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Browned Damascus & Case Color
Finish Originality: Most finish is Original, the guard has a weld-repair.
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn fouling in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 8 or 9 out of 10.Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrels have even light wear. The receiver retains much of its case color with some areas slightly muted. There are some scattered minor marks. The guard has a weld-repair just behind the triggers. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine-excellent condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGAL: ANTIQUE
SHOTGUNS