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FINE PAIR OF RARE 2" CHURCHILL "XXV" "PREMIERE"

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:7,000.00 USD Estimated At:14,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
FINE PAIR OF RARE 2  CHURCHILL  XXV   PREMIERE

EASY-OPENING SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME GUNS WITH CASE. Cal. 12 Ga., 2" chambers. S#s 7533/ 7534 (1961). The 25" chopper lump barrels are fitted with slightly raised Churchill ribs, gold inlaid "XXV" and with either "1" or "2" denoting a true pair. These guns are also gold inlaid with "1" or "2" on top levers and forend tips. Tops of barrels are engraved with Churchill name and Orange Street addresses. There are 1 1/4" triangles of scroll at breech ends. There are no markings or inlays visible on exterior of guns to indicate that the chambers are for 2" only. Barrel flats are stamped with British nitro proofs for 2" chambers at 2-3/4 tons per square inch, and ".729". It is interesting to note that gun "7533" has Birmingham proofs, and "7534" has London proofs. Small frame, Baker patent, easy opening, 12/20 type, sidelock actions feature automatic safeties ("SAFE" inlaid in gold), gold line tumbler end cocking indicators, and double triggers. Actions are engraved with full coverage medium scroll within line borders. "E. J. Churchill" is in scroll terminated rib and on each lockplate. "Premiere" "Finest" "Quality" is on bottoms of actions. Blued double beaded trigger guards are also scroll engraved and S#s are on short tangs. Fairly well matched, lightly marbled and figured European walnut straight grip buttstocks measure 15 1/4" over checkered wood butts, and feature typical drop points, point pattern checkering, and gold ovals engraved "R. W. C." Matching splinter ejector forends have Anson releases. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Gun no. "1": Bore diameter: L .729". R .729". Bore restrictions: L .019" (mod). R .016" (mod). Wall thickness: L .029". R .029". DAH: 2 1/16". DAC: 1 1/2". CAST: approx 1/2" off. Weight: 5 lbs. 11 oz. LOP: 15 1/4". Gun no. "2": Bore diameter: L .730". R.728". Bore restrictions: L .021" (mod). R .009" (IC). Wall thickness: L .026". R .025". DAH: 2 1/16". DAC: 1 1/2". CAST: approx 1/2" off. Weight: 5 lbs. 12 oz. LOP: 15 1/4". Guns are housed in their original brown leather special Churchill "VC" two gun case with stitched leather corners lined in burgundy cloth with blue label on divider. Case contains two piece cleaning rod with brush and jag, and a "Churchill" marked square oil bottle. CONDITION: very fine, as partially refinished. Barrels retain essentially all of a fine quality reblack, engraving somewhat softened. Action and lockplates retain over 60% of their original case hardening color with loss due to normal hand wear. Right lockplate of gun "2" and color of gun "1" are considerably stronger. Stocks retain nearly all of an old hand rubbed oil finish with a few subsequent marks. Sharp edges are well preserved. Checkering is lightly worn, and has not been recut. Bores are very fine without noted problems. Actions are tight. Barrels are on face. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is darkening, with a number of scuffs and rubs. Handles are beginning to detach, but are still good. Interior cloth is fine with some rubs and soiling. Label is very fine. Accessories are good. Most 2" guns are boxlocks, sidelock guns are scarce. This pair of "Best" sidelocks is exceptionally rare, possibly unique. 2" Cartridges are often available from RST. (22-5641 & 22-5642/MGM). BOTH CURIO. $14,000-20,000.