P. Webley & Son Best Quality 10 GA Hammer Double Gun, 1887-1893 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2136
LSB#: 210218WW12
Make: P. Webley & Son
Model: Best Quality Hammer Double Gun
Serial Number: 20906
Year of Manufacture: 1887-1893
Caliber: 10 Gauge, 2 3/4” Black Powder
Action Type: Side by Side Top Break Double-Barrel Shotgun with Extractors
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “P. WEBLEY & SON. SAINT JAMES S. LONDON.”. The left and right side of the receiver are marked “P. WEBLEY & SON” along with scenes of water fowl. The receiver, the hammers, break lever, forend iron, and trigger guard all feature fine floriate engraving. The heel of the buttplate, trigger guard tang, forend iron, water table, and the underside of the barrels protected by the forend are marked with the serial number “20906”. There are various proof marks and factory stampings on the underside of the barrels and the water table.
Barrel Length: 29 3/4”
Choke: Both bores are Improved Modified, Fixed.
Sights / Optics: There is a bead at the front of the textured barrel rib.
Weight: 9lb 6.1oz
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood with pistol grip, splinter forend, fluted straight comb, and engraved sheet steel buttplate. The buttstock shows scattered light nicks and dings most notable on the right side. The left side shows a few light drag lines and a few more notable nicks near the buttplate. The grip has a few light dings and a small crack on the right side near the trigger. The forend shows scattered light nicks and several dark nicks in the checkering. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips. The drop at comb is 1 7/8”, the drop at heel is 2 1/4”, and the cast is slightly off. The LOP measures 14 1/4” and 13 1/2” from the front of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has mostly gone to a light patina and there are a few minor dings along the edge. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition, as antique
Type of Finish: Brown Damascus Steel with Case Color receiver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Both bores are mostly bright and there is scattered light erosion nearer to the forcing cones.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 91% of its metal finish. The barrel shows only intermittent minor nicks which can be found on the underside of the barrels and there is some minor finish loss at the muzzles. The engraved areas show hints of the original case color, but it has muted for the most part, with some case color still visible under the break lever. Screws show light tool marks with strong slots, and all markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Excellent condition, as antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with no play to the receiver. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Webley & Scott is the storied British arms manufacturer whose revolvers were the sidearms of the British military for nearly 80 years. Prior to combining with W & C Scott, Webley was known as P. Webley & Sons, and did produce revolvers and shotguns for private use. This antique hammer double gun is one such example and dates back as far as 1887, and is in truly fantastic condition. Most Webley shotguns did not display any identifying markers, but shotguns they considered “best quality” like this one did. The barrels are mostly bright with only light erosion near the forcing cones, but the browned damascus steel is gorgeous with hardly any wear—it’s truly a pleasure to look at. But more so, it will be a joy to shoot (black powder only) and then display. Good luck and happy bidding!