Cogswell & Harrison Sandhurst, Engraved Blue & Case Colored 28” Side by Side SxS Boxlock Shotgun MFD 1954-1955 C&R

LSB#: 160411JM01

Make: Cogswell & Harrison

Model: Sandhurst

Serial Number: 67863

Year of Manufacture: Correspondence between the consignor and Cogswell & Harrison put the date of manufacture from 1954-1955.

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells

Action Type: Side by Side, Box-Lock, Round Action, Top Break Shotgun with Dual Non-Selective Triggers & Ejectors.

Markings: The barrel’s solid rib is marked “COGSWELL & HARRISON LTD. “SANDHURST” 168. PICCADILLY. LONDON. ENGLAND”, the underside of both barrels are marked “MADE IN ENGLAND”, both sides of the barrel lug flat are marked with an arm bearing a sword over “NP”, crown over “V”, crown over “CP”, “12”, “NITRO PROOF”, “12 / C” in diamond, “1 1/4″, “2 ¾” and “CHOKE”, the left side is marked with the serial number. The top of the forend bracket is marked with the serial number. The frame’s watertable is marked with the serial number and two crown over “V” proof marks; the lower frame flat is marked “863”. The side plates are marked “COGSWELL & HARRISON LTD.”, the upper tang is marked “SAFE”. The frame and its components are beautifully scroll engraved in the ‘Sandhurst’ grade pattern. The belly of the stock has an un-engraved oval metal tab.

Barrel Length: 28”

Choke: The left barrel is fix choked Improved Modified (0.701”), the right barrel is fix choked Modified (0.710”).

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass beaded blade, which is screwed into the solid concave rib. The rib tapers from 0.356” at the breech, to 0.240” at the muzzles.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece European hardwood set. The forend is a robust beavertail design with wrap-around checkering and two case-colored diamond shaped metal inserts with scroll engraving. The stock has only a few extremely faint scuffs and one lost checker; the balance of the checkers are sharply defined; the forward diamond-shaped insert is slightly raised above the wood surface, the other sits completely flush with the wood; we suspect the forward diamond left the factory as such. The butt stock has a strait English wrist and flank checkering, which wraps around to the belly, just aft of the long tang. The stock has some scattered light scuff marks, with a concentrations of small dings on the underside of the wrist, more so on the left side. There are no cracks present and outside of the one lost checker on the forend, there are no other losses; the wood to metal fit is superb. Drop at comb is 1 7/16”, drop at heel is 2”, the stock is slightly cast-off for right handed shooters. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the rear trigger to the back of the stock and 15” from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the stock; the rear face of the butt stock has serrations, showing some compression and scuff marks as photographed. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored, with Sandhurst Pattern Engraving.

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some darkened spots on the underside of the trigger guard and lower tang from general handling; these areas have a few isolated spots of shallow pin prick erosion, please see our pictures. The frame has a few small spots of patina, which blend in with the coloring. The right side of the right barrel has some very light scuffs. The screw heads are finely engraved, with sharp slots and look to be unturned. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun features dual non-selective triggers and ejectors, the action re-sets to “Safe” when the action is opened. The shotgun weighs 7lbs 1oz. There is absolutely ZERO movement in the fixtures and barrel to frame fit; all springs are strong and the trigger pulls are crisp. 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: Cogswell & Harrison has been around since 1770 and is the oldest surviving gunmaker in London; in this span of history, which surpasses that of the United States of America, the company has definitely learned how to make superbly crafted firearms. This is a Sandhurst grade side by side internal hammer shotgun with dual non-selective triggers, an ‘auto-safe’ action and ejectors. The shotgun has absolutely beautiful scroll engraving, deeply contrasted case coloring, excellent bluing and exceptional fit and finish. The wood to metal fit is excellent, the grain is vibrant and varied in form, the stocks show only a few minor marks, with one small checker loss on the underside of the forend and about 98% of the metal finish remains; the balance is shown as a few light scuff marks and some darkened spots on the lower tang from handling; these areas have isolated spots of pin prick erosion. The bores are bright with no erosion, which will attract shooters looking for their next high end game gun, but the shotgun’s high condition with undoubtedly captivate collectors. Please see our pictures and good luck!