W.& C. Scott & Son Sidelock Hammer Double 10 GA SXS Shotgun, 1876 Antique

Sold for $1826.00

LSB#: 220907RM010

Make: W & C Scott & Son

Model: Hammer Sidelock Double Gun

Serial Number: 7354

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1876

Caliber/Gauge: 10 Gauge, Black Powder Only

Action Type: Top Lever Sidelock Side By Side External Hammer Dual Trigger With Extractor

Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “W & C. SCOTT & SON. MAKERS & PATENTEES LONDON”, the bottom of the right barrel is marked “7354”, the bottoms of both barrels have British proof marks. The inside of the forend is stamped “7354”. Each sideplate is marked “W. & C. SCOTT / & SON. Each lug of the water table has a crowned “V” proof, the left lug has a castle in oval trademark and “7354”, the right has “W & C. SCOTT & SON / MAKERS / PATENT ACTION”. The bottom tang is marked “No 7354″. The top of the lever has the castle trademark and “W & C. SCOTT & SON PATENT”. The receiver, sideplates, guard, hammers, lever and the exposed portion of the forend iron have decorative scroll and border engraving with fowl hunting scenes on the sideplates and a fowl scene on the trigger guard. The initial plate in the belly has a “VC” or “CV” monogram.

Barrel Length: 30”

Choke: Both barrels are choked Modified, fixed.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver colored bead at the muzzle on top of the solid, concave rib.

Weight: 8 lb., 11.6 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, round-bottom half-pistol grip, straight comb and steel buttplate. The forend has a few scattered light marks on the exterior. The top of the forend has a crack extending forward from the iron to the front edge, only barely visible on the front edge when the forend is installed. The buttstock has scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most behind the wrist. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ and 13 1/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a moderate-dark patina with scattered erosion. Drop at comb is 1 3/4″, drop at heel is 3″. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Damascus barrels and case-color receiver.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores themselves are semi-bright with some scattered minor erosion and each bore has a spot of stubborn oxidation in the top near the muzzle. The chambers have moderate-heavy erosion and oxidation.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The barrels have generally strong damascus patterning with some handling wear above the forend, some spots of surface oxidation and a few nicks, scuffs and scratches. The receiver’s case color is quite strong in some areas with other areas muted, notably on the bottom. The guard has handling wear with some going to a light patina. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels have no play to the receiver, though the lever sits notably left of center when the action is closed. We have not fired this gun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This is a W. & C. Scott & Son hammer sidelock shotgun produced circa 1876. W. & C. Scott, later & Son, even later & Sons, was one of the premier Birmingham gunmakers as well as a prolific patentee which developed many designs which would stay with us to this day. This example is one of their guns from the 19th century. The shotgun is in Fine condition with about 85% remaining finish, light wear in the stocks consistent with responsible use in the field over the last century, and bores nicer than they have any right to be after more than 140 years of use with black powder! For those who collect antique or European shotguns, a W. & C. Scott is a must-have and this 10 gauge would make an excellent addition to such a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!