English doubles
 

What is the reputation of these two makers? Do they rate discussion in "Other Fine Doubles" ?

Charles Boswell
Hardy Brothers

Thanks
Jack

Boswell is noted for pigeon guns. Although most Boswells are boxlocks, they have a certain aura of quality that surpasses the boxlock reputation as a second class shotgun. The "pigeon gun" mystique helps to keep Boswell above water in the English gun market. Boswells have the Scottish influence in the receiver and stock cheek area which most people find unattractive. I am presently building a custom pigeon gun at great expense with just these unattractive features. Oh well. To each his own. I would love to find a Boswell pigeon gun that meets my requirements for condition and price.

Bill: Here are some pictures of the Boswell. I have not had it in hand. It lives about a thousand miles from me. It was re-proofed in 2003 and opened to 2 3/4 inch. Proof is 850 BAR (Approx. 12,325 psi), so it should be okay as a pheasant gun :) I know nothing about these guns. Is there enough info in the pics to consider a ball park value estimate? It is 120+ years young.

http://parkerguns.org/forums/picture...pictureid=1952
http://parkerguns.org/forums/picture...pictureid=1951
http://parkerguns.org/forums/picture...pictureid=1953
http://parkerguns.org/forums/picture...pictureid=1954

Where are the pix?

Cherry's in Greensboro, NC had a Boswell pigeon gun on their website about 6 months ago. 32" barrels F/F with PoW grip. Nice gun for $1,850.00 as I recall.

The wonderful little pigeon gun at Cherry's was a Cashmore. I am still having trouble sleeping after missing it.

boxlocks
 

Boswell had a reputation for "best" boxlocks - the few I have handled have been very nice.


As for Hardy Brothers - they made best grade fly reels and tackle -I would expect a shotgun bearing their name to be a product of the Birmingham trade, a solid gun, well made but not a true "best" grade in the English sense.

The pics are showing on my screen but it may be an issue with the albums. Changed one of the album parameters. Are they showing now??
Cheers,
Jack

Yup, nice piece of wood and it looks to be in very good condition.

So, you gentlemen took an old geezer looking for something as simple as a set of barrels and passed on an affliction. If I buy this thing, I will have passed from Parkeritis to full blown double-gunitis. I think along the way I was warned about Parkerits and if it got a good hook into me, double-gunitis would likely follow. Also warned there is no cure. Thanks :rolleyes: