A.N. White Grahamstown South Africa Cape Gun 12 GA 577/450 SXS Combo, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1000
LSB#: 210419FW63
Make: Unknown, made for A.W. White in Grahamstown
Model: Cape Gun
Serial Number: 11316
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1904-1920s
Caliber/Gauge: The shotgun barrel is 12 gauge. The rifle barrel is chambered for 577/450 Martini-Henry.
Action Type: Side-by-Side SXS Combination Shotgun/Rifle with Boxlock, Dual Triggers and Extractor
Markings: The top of the left barrel is marked “MADE FOR A.N. WHITE”, the top of the right “GRAHAMSTOWN”. The bottom of the barrel rib is marked with the serial number, found again on the water table. The bottom of the rib is also marked “17747”. The water table is marked with London proofs. The barrel flats are also marked with London proofs. The receiver, lever, and guard have decorative engraving.
Barrel Length: 29 1/2″
Choke: Fixed Modified
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the rib at the front. The rear sight is an assembly dovetailed to the rear of the rib which has a fixed “V”-notch marked “100”, four folding “V”-notch leaves marked “200” through “500” and a folding ladder sight with “V”-notched slider marked from “600” to “800”, the ladder may have an additional marking, but the slider is seized at the top-most position. Each of the notches has a vertical aiming reference.
Weight: 7 lb., 9.2 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, serrated horn buttplate, and a sling swivel in the belly (the other is mounted to the barrel rib forward of the forend). The stocks have several scattered nicks, dings, scrapes and scratches. There is a break in the wrist which has been repaired with two brass plates, each secured with brass screws. There is a crack in the bottom-front of the forend. The checkering ranges from lightly worn to worn smooth. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ and 13 1/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. Drop at comb is 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 3/8″. The buttplate has scattered wear and some worm-holes. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition as repaired.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The shotgun bore is semi-bright with scattered light erosion and infrequent minor pitting. The rifled bore is light gray with strong rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the rifle bore.
Overall Condition: This combination gun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The barrels have scattered light finish wear, some light erosion, mostly along the side of the shotgun barrel, and some light nicks and scratches. The exposed case-color has mostly muted, showing minor surface oxidation. There is some color visible under the lever and on the water table. The bluing of the guard, trigger plate and forend iron is still strong. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this combination gun is in about Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Combination guns have been a popular “do-all” gun for generations, with some still being produced today. The combination of a shotgun for fowl and a rifle for terrestrial game allows the hunter to become familiar with one gun for all their trips to the field. This example was produced in London for what we presume to be a South African retailer in the early 20th Century. This “cape gun” is chambered for 12 gauge shotgun shells and 577/450 Martini-Henry. This combination would have been popular in the British market of the era, though the 577/450 was swiftly losing favor to smaller, higher-velocity smokeless cartridge. This gun would have made for a very versatile hunting gun in its time. This would make a great piece for drilling or fine European firearms collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!