Cogswell & Harrison 12 GA 30” Side by Side SxS Boxlock Shotgun 1930s C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,375.00

LSB#: WY250328JS012

Make: Cogswell & Harrison

Model: Avant Tout

Serial Number: 40545

Year of Manufacture: 1925 – 1950s

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 3” Shells (12LC Proofed)

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

Markings: The side of the frame is marked “COGSWELL & HARRISON LTD”.  The top tang is marked “SAFE”. The water table is marked “40545”, “PATENT”, with two crowned V’s. The top of the barrel rib is marked, “COGSWELL & HARRISON LTD THE AVANT TOUT “ followed by their address. Both barrels are marked, “TRADE MARK COMPRESSED ARCUS STEEL”. On the bottom with proofs. The barrel flats are marked with various period correct proofs.” The barrel and forend are serial matched to the receiver.

Barrel Length: 30”

Choke: The left choke is Mod and the right choke is Cyl, Fixed. 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver bead at the front of the barrel rib.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut set with a capped splinter forend, English straight wrist, straight comb, and two-piece skeletonized buttplate. There is moderate handling wear throughout. The checkering is sharp. Drop at comb is 1 1/4”, drop at heel is 2 1/8”, the stock is moderately cast-off for right handed shooters. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the rear trigger to the back of the stock and 14 1/2” from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the stock; the rear face of the butt stock has checkering. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.

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

Finish Originality: Professionally restored

Bore Condition: The bores are bright with minor fouling streaks. There is no notable erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bores rates 9/10. 

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is light handling wear throughout. The case color receiver has minor thinning in spots. The screw heads and pins are undamaged. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good to Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun features dual non-selective triggers and individual ejectors/lifters. 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 is one of England’s oldest and most respected gunmakers, with a legacy dating back to the early 19th century. The “Avant Tout” model—translated as “Before All” or “Above All”—was one of the firm’s best-known field-grade side-by-side shotguns. Manufactured with attention to detail and fine craftsmanship, this model represents the peak of traditional British sporting arms in the early to mid-20th century. With its 30-inch barrels, individual ejectors, and fixed Mod/Cyl chokes, this gun is well-suited for upland game or clay target shooting with a touch of British elegance. This example is in beautiful condition, having been professionally restored. It retains approximately 97% of its restored metal finish, with crisp markings, intact case coloring, and only light handling wear. The bores are bright with only faint fouling and no signs of erosion, rating 9/10. The matching walnut stock set, with its straight English grip and finely checkered butt, shows moderate wear and elegant cast-off for right-handed shooters. Mechanically, the shotgun remains fully functional with dual non-selective triggers and individual ejectors—a notable feature for a shotgun of this era. The fixed chokes (Mod and Cyl) provide versatility for field use.

This Cogswell & Harrison Avant Tout is a fine example of British shotgun design from a prestigious maker, blending graceful handling with rugged field performance. Whether you’re a collector of English doubles, a vintage shotgun enthusiast, or looking for a classic upland or sporting clays companion, this beautifully restored piece is both functional and highly collectible. With its elegant engraving, solid lockup, and matched components, it’s a timeless gun worthy of continued appreciation and use. -R.E.