G. Defourny-Sevrin Continental Arms Centaure 10 GA Magnum SXS Shotgun, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1575
LSB#: 211001DC54
Make: G. Defourny – Sevrin. Imported from Belgium by Continental Arms Corp.
Model: Centaure
Serial Number: 10621
Year of Manufacture: 1950 (Greek character “gamma” date code)
Caliber: 10 Gauge, 3 1/2″ Chambers
Action Type: Boxlock Side By Side (SXS) Shotgun With Dual Triggers and Ejectors
Markings: The top of the right barrel is marked “G. DEFOURNY-SEVRIN 10 GAUGE MAGNUM NITRO PROOF”, the top of the left “MADE IN BELGIUM FOR CONTINENTAL ARMS CORPORATION NEW YORK”. Each barrel flat has a series of Belgian proof marks including the “gamma” date code and “10-89” in oval. The bottom of each barrel is marked “10621”, “JF” and with Belgian proof marks, the bottom of the right barrel is also marked “JN” in oval. The top of the forend iron is marked “10621”. The water table is marked “10621” and with Belgian proofs. The receiver, guard and lever have decorative engraving.
Barrel Length: 28?
Choke: The barrel has been threaded for Briley interchangeable chokes. Improved Modified and Modified have been installed. A Light Modified choke is also included.
Sights / Optics: There is a green fiber-optic sight installed at the front of the solid rib and a smaller white mid-bead. The to of the rib is serrated for glare reduction.
Weight: 9 lb., 7.9 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood with beavertail forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb and orange rubber Noshoc buttpad. The stocks have scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a couple of tiny losses and a thin crack along the right of the top tang. There is a crack in the front edge of the wrist on the right. There is a filled knot-hole in the bottom-left of the wrist. There are spots of thinning finish on the bottom-front of the forend and the right-rear of the buttstock. There is a more notable ding at the toe. The LOP measures about 14 3/8? and 13 3/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the pad, 13 1/2″ and 12 1/2″ to the back of the wood. The pad has some light wear and discoloration, a little spot of more notable wear at the toe, but is still fairly supple. The stocks rate in Good-Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued Barrels, the Receiver has an exterior Coin finish with the breech-face and water table Case-Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores, but there is some stubborn fouling in the forcing cones.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows just a small amount of marking to the center rib. There is some light thinning on the trigger guard and lower tang. There are a few other scattered minor marks and general light handling wear. The action has minor operational wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. Overall, this gun rates in Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The safety does not engage automatically when the action is opened, but does function properly when engaged manually. The barrels lock up quite tight with no play to the receiver. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This gun comes with 3 total choke tubes, the Briley choke case and a neat vintage takedown hard case. There are straps inside the case for the components of the gun, but the fit is not great and the parts can shift in the case some.
Our Assessment: Continental Arms Corporation imported guns from some of Europe’s fine firearms manufactures from the 1950’s to the 1970’s. Their guns came from a variety of makers, and the guns they brought in from Belgian maker Defourny-Sevrin are considered to be the best of the lot. Even better, this example has the optional automatic ejectors. The gun has since been threaded for Briley choke tubes with Light Modified, Modified, and Improved Modified included. Chambered for 10 gauge shells up to 3 1/2″, this is one powerful shotgun that will be great for the avid hunter. Please see our photos and good luck!