Army and Navy C.S.L. 12 Ga 2 1/2″ 28″ Boxlock Side By Side Shotgun C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,402.00
LSB#: LSB260513BR006
Make: Unknown for Army and Navy C.S.L.
Model: Boxlock SXS
Serial Number: 68113
Year of Manufacture: Circa early 1920s, Purchased new May 18, 1923
Gauge: 12 Ga 2 1/2″ chambers
Action Type: Boxlock side by side shotgun, with double triggers
Barrel Length: 28″
Choke: Right barrel fixed Cylinder. Left barrel fixed Full
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver bead drilled and tapped into the mid rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece checkered walnut, splinter forend, straight grip, straight comb, with rubber Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. The LOP is 14 1/4″ and 15 1/4″ from triggers to recoil pad. The drop at comb is 1 1/2″. The drop at heel is 2 3/4″ with a slight cast off. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are a few small nicks and gouges. There is lightly worn finish throughout. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Color Case
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. There are some fouling streaks. In this writer’s opinion these bores rate 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its original finish. There are scratches and a little light corrosion staining. The color case is mostly muted but shows some color in protected areas. The screw heads show light tooling but are serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this shotgun is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The action locks up with no play. 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: Box, sales records information.
Our Assessment: This Army & Navy C.S.L. boxlock is a traditionally configured British sporting shotgun with 28″ barrels, 2 1/2″ chambers, double triggers, automatic ejectors, and fixed Cylinder and Full chokes. Its straight-grip walnut stock, splinter forend, slight cast-off, and balanced barrel arrangement are characteristic of a versatile English game gun. The accompanying sales records reportedly document its purchase on May 18, 1923, by Sir Anthony Buzzard, giving the shotgun notable provenance connected to a distinguished Royal Navy officer.
Army & Navy Co-operative Society firearms were retailed under the society’s name but manufactured by established British gunmakers, including firms within the Birmingham and London trade. These guns ranged from practical working arms to refined sporting pieces and were often sold with detailed customer records. Sir Anthony Wass Buzzard later attained the rank of rear admiral and served in both World Wars, ultimately becoming Director of Naval Intelligence from 1951 to 1954.
This shotgun retains about 85% of its original finish, with light scratches, minor corrosion staining, and muted case colors that remain visible in protected areas. The walnut stocks remain in Good to Very Good condition with scattered handling marks and no cracks, while the bright bores rate 9/10 with only light fouling. The action and ejectors function correctly, and the gun locks up tightly without play. Overall, this is a Very Good English boxlock with appealing configuration, documented 1923 sales history, and noteworthy naval provenance. Only appropriate 2 1/2″ ammunition should be used. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF