E. J. Churchill Utility XXV, Boxlock Ejector 12 Ga SxS Side By Side Shotgun & Case, MFD 1952 C&R
SOLD
LSB#: 171108AL06
Make: E. J. Churchill (Gunmakers) Ltd.
Model: Utility XXV with Beavertail Forend, Ejectors
Serial Number: 7220
Year of Manufacture: 1952 per Birmingham Proof Mark
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Chamber
Action Type: Side by Side, Double Non-Selective Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The right barrel is marked “E. J. CHURCHILL. (GUNMAKERS.) LTD.” the left is marked “ORANGE STREET. GUNWORKS. LEICESTER SQUARE. LONDON.”. The underside of each barrel is marked “7220”. On the flat under the right barrel is marked “12”, crowned “BV”, crowned “BP”, “12 / C” in diamond, “2 3/4″”, Birmingham crossed swords proof mark with “B”, “C”, “2” to the left, right, and bottom of the swords respectively, crowned “NP”, “NITRO PROOF” and “CHOKE / 1 1/8 OZ” with the “1 1/8” in circle. The left is marked with the same with the exception of the Birmingham crossed sword proof. The forend bracket is marked “7220”. The sides of the frame are marked “E. J. Churchill.” in banner. Each lug of the water table is marked crowned “BV” and “7220”. The lower tang is marked “7220”.
Barrel Length: 25”, with solid, thin “churchill style” rib with checkering along the top, which tapers from 0.416″ at the breech to 0.173″ at the muzzles.
Choke: The left barrel slugs at 18.1mm and the right at 18.3mm.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a front bead, set into the rib; the top of the rib is milled in a checkered pattern for glare reduction, the details are still highly formed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece walnut set. The beavertail forend has underside checkering; the wood is slightly proud to the metal, all of the checkers are still defined, there are a few compressions scattered throughout the most prominent being in front of the checkering on the right side and the very front on the left side. The forearm has a small chip on the left side rear as it rises to its full height. There are no cracks in the forend. The butt stock has a checkered grip area on straight grip, with few scattered compressions throughout. There are no chips or cracks in the buttstock. The butt is serrated, integral to the stock. Drop at comb is 1 1/2”, drop at heel is 2 3/8″, the cast is about neutral. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ and 13 1/2″ from the triggers to the back of the stock. The stocks rate in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its original finish. The balance of which is found in muted to lost case color on the top tang surrounding the safety, scattered light scratches on the left chamber, and one scratch on the right chamber. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features dual non-selective triggers and ejectors which throw epty shells with authority; the tang mounted safety returns to ‘safe’ when the action is opened. The shotgun weighs 6lbs 9oz. There is a small amount play in the frame to barrel fit. The hammers fall with authority and the triggers 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: This shotgun comes in a brown leather hard-sided case with key-locking snap latches and carry handle. The interior of the case is felt lined with separate compartments for the receiver and buttstock assembly which has a leather buckled strap to secure the assembly, the barrel assembly, and the forend. The compartment for the forend is sized for a splinter forend, not the beavertail and there is a thick wool pad surrounding the beavertail forend which fits in the receiver assembly compartment. The exterior of the case has raised ends stitching around the raised sections and at the corners. The stitching and exterior of the case are in Excellent condition with a few scattered scuffs and wear tat the corners. The interior and felt lining are in Good condition with wear around the lugs in the barrel assembly section. Overall, the case is in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: Edwin John Churchill made his name building high quality pigeon guns in London starting in 1891. His nephew, Robert, took over the business in 1910 and began designing short, lightweight, fast-handling shotguns which allowed sportsmen to make good shots on fast-moving birds. Their trademark “XXV” or 25″ barrels quickly became popular throughout England and beyond. This shotgun is an excellent example of the high quality found even in the “Utility” models produced by E.J. Churchill. From the excellent finish, positive ejection, beautiful wood, and elegant engraving, this “utility” shotgun is a real head-turner and will shoot as good as it looks. Please see our photos and good luck!
