Original British 11 Bore Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun by W. & C. Scott & Son of London Serial 37571 – circa 1880 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very nice upmarket British-made Double Barreled Hammer shotgun, probably intended for the large U.S. import market. This example in 11 bore was made by the famous makers W. & C. Scott & Son, and is marked W. & C. SCOTT & SON on both highly decorative lock plates. W. & C. Scott started in 1834 and were well known for their better class shotguns. The name changed in 1858 to W. & C. Scott & Son and in 1897 they merged with P. Webley & Son to become the World famous WEBLEY SCOTT REVOLVER & ARMS COMPANY LIMITED.

We believe that this lovely upmarket example from this company was made probably around 1880, when the U.S. Export market was booming. The barrel strap still has a clear marking near the breech:

W. & C. SCOTT & SON (BOGARDUS CLUB GUN) MAKERS &. PATENTEES. LONDON.

Research indicates that the gun was somewhat of a “signature” model designed for use in Pigeon Shooting, which was very popular at the time. Adam Bogardus was a world champion and United States champion trap shooter, as well as the inventor of the first practical glass ball trap in 1877. These were filled with feathers and used as “trap” targets. The exterior of the balls was ridged, which helped ensure that the shot pellets would shatter the trap.

The barrels are definitely “Damascus” forged, which gives a lovely pattern due to the laminated nature of the steel, which also adds strength. The finish on the barrels is faded to a gray patina, but the spiral forging lines are still readily apparent in some areas and very attractive.

The bottoms of each barrel bear the correct Birmingham proof marks, including the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC “proof” and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V “viewed” marks. There is also the CROWN / BP definitive “black powder” proof, seen on late 19th century guns. Both barrels also are marked 11B / 12M, and NOT FOR BALL. In this case, “11B” stands for 11 Bore, or gauge, which is about 0.751″, and “12M” stands for 12 muzzle choke, so the end of the barrel is only 0.729″ in diameter. This is why it says “not for ball”, as using a 11 gauge ball would destroy the barrel, and be very dangerous. This type of notation was used by British proof houses during period 1875 to 1887, after which a new system was put into use, which allows us to definitively set a time period for this shotgun.

The use of a “choke” in the barrel was intended to help with the spread of shot, and came into use during the last decade of so of the 19th century. The shotgun is also serial number marked with 37571 on the bottom of both barrels, on the fitting for the fore stock, and on the receiver “table” inside the hinge joint, so no parts have been lost or swapped out over the years. There are additional Birmingham “viewed” proofs on the table, as well as several patent markings from W & C SCOTT & SON.

This lovely upmarket DOUBLE BARREL 11 Bore Hammer Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age, showing handling and probably moderate use. It does not show any signs of previous restoration or refinishing, and has a lovely honest used look. It is all iron mounted, and features lovely ornate engraving on almost all of the hardware, particularly the frame and side action locks, which show a Swan on the left side. The original finish has faded, and there is a bit of wear on the engraving, but it still looks great. It has a great checkered “pistol grip” style butt stock, and the fore stock is checkered as well. Originally intended for hunting and home defense these saw a lot of use on the Frontier and were supplied to both Stage Coach Lines and Railroads.

The action still functions correctly, breaking open using the rear lever with ejection and dry firing. The locks do not have any provision for a half cock position, which is common for a hammer shotgun. It is fitted with “bounce back” style hammers, which strike the back of the firing pin and then return to battery, allowing the firing pins to reset, though the springs on both firing pins are unfortunately missing or broken.

The rear stock has some lovely flame figuring, and has a very nice checkered horn butt pad. It is really in great shape, showing very little in the way of cracking or other damage, with some wear on the checkering. There looks to have been a shield-shaped escutcheon on the bottom of the butt stock, which is now missing. The fore stock is a bit more worn, and has small chunks missing from the right edge. It still locks correctly onto the bottom of the barrel, released by a lever on the front. We checked the bore, and it definitely shows signs of use, with past oxidation and fouling present.

A very nice antique hammer shotgun by a Legendary Maker of British shotguns, ready to restore or display as is!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1880
Caliber: 11 bore (0.751″) with 12 bore (0.729″) choke – 3 inch chambers
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 47 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks with External Hammers
Feed System: Top Break with Top Lever