W&C Scott & Son Boxlock Hammerless 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1897 Antique
Sold for $1913.00
LSB#: 220901LI005
Make: W & C Scott & Son
Model: Boxlock Hammerless
Serial Number: 58597
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1897, the barrel flat proofs indicate they were re-proofed in 1986.
Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Top Lever Sidelock Side By Side Hammerless Dual Trigger With Selective Ejectors
Markings: The bottoms of both barrels have shallow “BNP” proof marks, the flats have 1986 Birmingham proofs. The inside of the forend iron is marked “58597”. Each side of the receiver is marked “W. & C. SCOTT & SON. Each lug of the water table has Birmingham proofs, the left lug has patent numbers and “58597”, around the middle of the water table is “W&C SCOTT & SON”, their castle trademark, and “MAKERS”. The bottom tang is marked “58597” and with their trademark. The receiver, guard, lever and the exposed portion of the forend iron have decorative scroll and border engraving.
Barrel Length: 25”
Choke: Left: Modified, Right: Improved Cylinder, both fixed.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead at the muzzle on top of the solid rib. The top of the rib is serrated for glare reduction.
Weight: 6 lb., 4.9 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, round-bottom half-pistol grip, straight comb and orange rubber buttpad. The forend has a few scattered light nicks on the exterior, most on the right side and areas of thinning finish. The top of the forend has cracking at the front, only barely visible on the front edge when the forend is installed. The buttstock has scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most behind the wrist. There are a few more notable dings in the comb and belly. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ and 13 1/2″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad, 13 1/4″ and 12 1/2″ to the back of the wood. The pad shows shaping wear and some discoloration, it has hardened slightly with age. Drop at comb is 1 5/8″, drop at heel is 2 3/4″. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-Fine condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Professionally Restored
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bores, more in the right than the left.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. The barrels have generally strong finish with some scattered light nicks and scratches, mostly over the forend. The receiver’s case color is quite strong in some areas with most areas muted or worn to white. The guard has handling wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in Fine-plus condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The barrels have no play to the receiver. 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 boxlock guns from the very end of the 19th century. The shotgun has been restored, and apparently quite expertly, even being re-proofed in 1986. It is a trim gun, just over six and a quarter pounds with 25″ barrels chambered for 12 gauge and choked Modified and Improved Cylinder. This should make for a fine upland bird gun for years to some. For those who collect antique or European shotguns, a W. & C. Scott is a must-have and this would make an excellent addition to such a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!