New 1893 DH 12 ga

William Shear · 02-19-2011, 03:13 PM

Hi everyone,
It has been a couple of years since I've been on this (or the Fox Collectors) site. Been bitten hard by the double rifle bug, but got reacquainted with vintage shotguns duck hunting down on VA's Eastern Shore this winter. I've had a smattering of old American doubles including a wand of a 16ga Sterlingworth with #3, 30" bbls; both a VH and Repro 28 ga and some less mentionables. Sadly I parted with these at one time or another.
Last Monday I played hookey from work and made a couple hour drive to inspect a DH which was offered on GB without bids. After some haggling with the consignor, we struck a deal. I might have overpaid a bit as I haven't kept up with the market, but I'm pretty comfortable judging condition and mechanics and this one seemed too good to pass up for $2K. Love to hear some feedback on that front.
Here are some of the particulars. . .
12ga, 30" damascus barrels with absolutely mirror chambers and bores. Mic out with min wall thickness of ~35thou, and never been honed. There are no dents, pitting and they ring like a chime. Pattern is incredible and they've not been refinished. Spent two hours cleaning out RIG which they were packed with long ago when the gun was put up.
Checkering and wood to metal fit is superb. The head shows a small amount of oil soaking evidenced by a little discoloration but all-in-all is quite minimal. Stock has never been refinished as far as I can tell and if I look closely in good light I can see some very fine crazing (sort of like the enamel on old china).
SBP was unfortunately cut and there is a decaying pad. LOP is ~13 7/8 (I usually shoot 14.25" but for ducks I'll have a coat. Drop is big at a hair over 3" but I've learned to shoot that before without too much problem.
There is the tiniest bit of wiggle with the forearm off; will capture a dollar bill tightly and I was able to remove all play with a piece of 0.001 shim stock on the hook.
Screws have never been turned and all are pretty much indexed appropriately.
Engraving is crisp and to my liking. Not much of case colors left except in protected areas.
I may put a Silvers pad on, or even a leather covered pad. Not a collector but a pretty old gun and look forward to playing with it some more with low pressure loads!

Bill

William Shear · 02-19-2011, 03:37 PM

A few more pics. . .

10 bore · 02-19-2011, 03:59 PM

looks like you did very,very good on this one!!, what is it choked?

William Shear · 02-19-2011, 04:46 PM

Thanks,
Choked 22 thou on the right and 34 thou on the left

Brush Buster · 02-19-2011, 05:46 PM

Hello William , You seemed to have bought my gun !!! Congrats ! I bid on that gun every week it was on GB except for the last couple of times ,I bid $1500.00 every week and then finally 1700.00 was my high ,had it been a smaller frame ,I would have gone to $2000.00 without concern ,and probably should have any way !! You certainly bought a nice gun and as far as the price as long as you are happy then you did great ! On the pad ,when I mailed the seller ,he said the pad wasn't hardened to the point where all of the flex was gone and if I had ended up with it ,I believe I wouldn't touch the pad ,seems to give the gun character !

charlie cleveland · 02-19-2011, 06:52 PM

nice gun looks like you got a keeper..you did well on the price in my opion you dont find many guns that have been changed in some fashion...enjoy it and shoot well... charlie

Richard Flanders · 02-20-2011, 03:56 AM

Looks like a real beauty. From the looks of the oil packing the screw slots I'd recommend a good thorough cleaning of the innards. Sounds like it's been over oiled a bit and I'd bet anything there's a lot of old oil gunk inside. Gorgeous gun. You did very well. The screws look truly untouched. Pretty rare that.

Hammer · 02-20-2011, 06:48 AM

Congratulations. Sharp gun.

Dean Romig · 02-20-2011, 07:19 AM

Very nice Bill. I have been watching that one for a few months and almost bought it myself. You did very well and it is a stunning DH. Congratulations!

Except for the DAH I think its value is closer to $3500

William Shear · 02-20-2011, 09:52 AM

I really appreciate the feedback and tips! I've been busy working this weekend but had her out in the light yetserday to take these pics--pretty stunned at the degree of condition for a 118 year old piece. It'll kick quarters hard off of my ceiling, but agree that the innards are likely a little gummy over time. The pad is still pretty flexible and after looking at it some more, I agree it does lend some character and may leave it be for the time. I do need to reclaim my copy of The Parker Story I lent a friend a couple years ago, join up w/ the PGCA and send off for a letter on this one.

I'm okay with the price paid-the shop owner where this one was consigned told me after the sale that it had been in the same family for a long time. I feel good knowing that they got market price after the consignment fees were taken out and hopefully I can get a little more history on the gun. The best deals are fair to all parties and I feel this one was.

I'm happy too to have something to stick in that old Heiser LOM which has been sitting empty!

Best to all,
Bill