I recently acquired a nice English 12 bore double gun (percussion). I know from the Birmingham proof marks that she is no newer than 1855, but my research into the maker and design places her most likely between 1840 and 1848. Given her age she is in amazing condition. I have antiques that are decades newer but not as nice.
She appears to be in shooting condition, but has three issues that are beyond my skills and tools.
When new, this was a mid-priced gun. She does have some collector's value but not so much that you would not take her out on rare occasions for some fun with light loads. Her value is diminished by an old repair to the stock and the absence of the original case - but enhanced by the absence of any crude attempts at refurbishing in the past. The maker was William Ellis - a Birmingham gunmaker with a shop in St James Street, London. He died in 1848 - a few years before the heyday of the English sporting gun. He made fine guns and they come up for sale occasionally, but go for relatively modest amounts.
So - I am looking for an appropriately skilled and tooled gunsmith sympathetic to guns of history, understanding muzzleloaders and able to tell his Plain Twist from his Best Damascus.
Any recommendations? I am based in California but will ship this gun anywhere in the country.
She appears to be in shooting condition, but has three issues that are beyond my skills and tools.
- there are minor dents at both muzzles
- the thickness of both barrels should be measured throughout
- the inside of the barrels, especially at the breach, should be inspected - my little lamp only works to a point
When new, this was a mid-priced gun. She does have some collector's value but not so much that you would not take her out on rare occasions for some fun with light loads. Her value is diminished by an old repair to the stock and the absence of the original case - but enhanced by the absence of any crude attempts at refurbishing in the past. The maker was William Ellis - a Birmingham gunmaker with a shop in St James Street, London. He died in 1848 - a few years before the heyday of the English sporting gun. He made fine guns and they come up for sale occasionally, but go for relatively modest amounts.
So - I am looking for an appropriately skilled and tooled gunsmith sympathetic to guns of history, understanding muzzleloaders and able to tell his Plain Twist from his Best Damascus.
Any recommendations? I am based in California but will ship this gun anywhere in the country.