P. Hambrusch Side by Side Sidelock 16 GA 28″ SxS Engraved Shotgun 1926 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1628
LSB#: 211227BW10
Make: P. Hambrusch
Model: Side by Side
Serial Number: Not Serialized
Year of Manufacture: 1926
Caliber/Gauge: 16 Gauge 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Side by Side Sidelock Greener Crossbolt Double Barrel Shotgun with Exposed Hammers & Extractor
Markings: The watertable has Austrian proofs. The top of the rib is marked “P. HAMBRUSCH – STEYR”. The top of both chambers is marked “BOHLER * BLITZ STAHL”. The barrel flats have multiple Austrian proofs. The bottom of the rib is marked “6886.25.155 160.”. The receiver and sideplates have deep relief engraving with game scenes and a floral motif. The rigger guard, barrel release, and forend iron also have engraving.
Barrel Length: 28″
Choke: Both Fixed Full
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white bead set on the solid rib at the muzzle. The rib is serrated for glare reduction.
Weight: 6 lb 5 oz
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a horn-capped pistol grip, straight comb, cheekpiece, aftermarket buttpad, and splinter forend with a Deeley release. The top rear corners of the forend have little losses. There are some scattered draglines, scuffs, compressions, and a few little nicks through the finish. There is what looks like a filled hole on the belly. The checkering is mostly intact and strong with some light rub wear. The LOP measures 13 1/2? and 12 5/8” from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad and 12 1/2″ and 11 5/8″ to the wood. The drop at heel is approximately 2 3/4″ and the drop at comb is 1 5/8″. The pad has some scattered light wear. The stocks are in about Very Good-plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright with no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The receiver has finish loss and the remaining ecase color has turned to a pleasant muted patina. The barrels have some scattered areas of mottled patina and discoloration. There are a few scattered little nicks on the barrels that go through the finish. There are a few little spots of light oxidation on the barrels. There are some areas of erosion on the barrels, the most noticeable are on the right barrel at the front of the chamber. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: None
Our Assessment: This side-by-side dual trigger shotgun has exposed hammers and was made in Austria by P. Hambrusch in 1926. It is of higher quality than many mass-produced guns made for export to the burgeoning American market in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but was likely intended for the same utilitarian hunting use. This one has survived the last century well, retaining about 80% of its metal finish, though the majority of the loss is case color on the receiver which now almost looks like a tarnished coin finish. It is only until opening the action and seeing under the lever and viewing the watertable that it is evident that the finish is case color. The action is still spot on and the bores are bright, this shotgun could easily be back to bagging game if your gunsmith gives you the green light. This classy side by side would be a nice addition to a European sporting guns collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!