Product Details
CHURCHILL (GUNMAKERS) LTD.
A FINE AND VIRTUALLY UNUSED CASED GARNITURE OF 'REGAL XXV' BOXLOCK EJECTORS IN 20-BORE, 28-BORE AND .410, serial no. 23813 / 4 / 5,
25in. nitro barrels with matt Churchill-ribs, gold-inlaid at the breech ends with 'XXV' and '1', '2' and '3' respectively, tubes engraved 'CHURCHILL (GUNMAKERS) LTD. 61 PALL MALL, ST. JAMES'S, LONDON, ENGLAND', the bottom ribs inscribed 'A & F. HOUSTON TEXAS', 2 3/4in. chambers, the .410 with 3in. chambers, bored approx. imp. cyl. and 1/4 choke, the .410 with full choke in both, scroll-back actions with slender carved fences, toplevers with ovals gold-inlaid '1', '2' and '3', automatic safeties with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' details, finely engraved with acanthus scrollwork and floral bouquets, the undersides gold-inlaid with the model designation, the triggerguard tangs gold-inlaid with the serial numbers, retaining virtually full original colour-hardening and finish, the triggers with blued finish, 14 3/8in. figured stocks with blank gold escutcheons, weight 5lb. 5oz. (No.1), 5lb. (No.2) and 4lb. 11oz. (No.3), in their lightweight leather case with green velveteen lining and complement of accessories
Note: This Lot was featured in UK magazine publications Gun Mart and Shooting Gazette March 2015 editions.
To view the Gun Mart article please click HERE
To view the Shooting Gazette article please click HERE
Provenance: In the early 1980's, when Churchill's ceased trading, a decision was made to sell the remaining new guns in a special auction, to be held in conjuction with Abercrombie & Fitch, the Harris & Sheldon Group Ltd. and Christie, Manson & Woods International, at Abercrombie & Fitch's premises in Dallas, Texas.
The 'last 98 new Churchill Shotguns' were auctioned on Friday 5th May 1981. A full list of the guns, their estimated prices and actual realised prices can be found in the appendices of Don Masters book 'The House of Churchill'. He makes special reference to Lot 1 'the highlight of the auction' which was this garniture of small bore Regals. Estimated at $18,000-24,000 on the day they realised a hefty $40,000.
Literature: These guns are referenced in 'American & British 410 Shotguns' by Ronald S. Gabriel, page 188 and more extensively in 'The House of Churchill' by Don Masters, page 448
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Estimate £10,000-15,000
S2