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SCARCE ROGER'S PATENT EASY OPENING E. J. CHURCHILL

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
SCARCE ROGER'S PATENT EASY OPENING E. J. CHURCHILL

IMPERIAL GRADE XXV 1934 MODEL SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAMEGUN. Cal. 12 Ga. 2 1/2". S# 5077 (mfg. 1935). The "Imperial" was Churchill's second quality sidelock gun, and many find its unique engraving pattern to be quite attractive. This gun has 25" chopperlump bbls. w/ narrow Churchill rib gold inlaid "XXV". Tops of bbls. are engraved "E. J. Churchill & Gun Makers Ltd." & "Orange St. Gunworks, Leicester Square, London." Bbl. flats are stamped w/ London nitro proofs for 2 1/2" chambers. Coin finished backspring sidelock action is on the seldom seen John Rogers patent action of 1933. This easy opening action is similar in operation to the well known Baker (12/20) except cocking rods are depressed with the closing of the bbls., similar to a Purdey action. Action features automatic safety ("SAFE" inlaid in gold) & dbl. triggers. Action is engraved w/ near full coverage attractive varying size (mostly lg.) open shaded scroll within scroll & line borders. "E. J. Churchill" is on each lockplate. Bottom of action is gold inlaid w/ imperial crown between "Imperial" & "1934 Model". Serial number is on trigger guard tang. Well marbled & lightly figured European walnut, straight grip buttstock measures 14 1/2" over checkered wood butt & features drop points, point pattern grip checkering, & the gold letter "T" inlet on toeline. Matching splinter Southgate ejector forend has Anson release. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Bore Diameter: R .729", L .730". Restriction: R . 019" (MOD), L .025" (MOD). Min. Wall Thickness: R .022", L .021". STOCK: DAH: 1 15/16". DAC: 1 9/16". LOP: 14 1/2". CAST: approx. 5/8" off. WEIGHT: 6 lb. 5 oz. CONDITION: good, bbls. retaining most of an old reblue w/ considerable subsequent wear & some light frosting. Action is cleaned to coin finish. Engraving remains good w/ some wear evident on bottom. Stocks retain most of an old refinish (possibly original) w/ considerable wear to sharp edges from normal handling. Checkering is considerably worn. Bores are bright & shiny w/ a sm. dent noted about 7" behind muzzle on bottom of left bbl. Action is tight w/ evidence of work on hook. Bbls. are on face. Ejectors are strong & in time. (22-1141/MGM). CURIO. $5,000-10,000.