J. S. Garden British 12 GA Sleeved Hammer Double Side by Side Shotgun, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1032.99
LSB#: 210218WW11
Make: J. P. Garden Piccadilly London
Model: 2/2
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: Circa Late 1800s, Sleeved and Re-Proofed since 1954
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 1/2” Shells
Action Type: Side by Side Top Break Double-Barrel Shotgun with External Hammers & Extractors
Markings: The barrel rib is marked “J. S. GARDEN 2/2 PICCADILLY LONDON”. Both barrel flats are marked “729”, a crown over “BNP”, “12” in a diamond, “3 TONS PER”, a square, and “SLEEVED”. The water table is marked twice with a crown over “BP” and a crown over “1”. The receiver, trigger assembly, hammers, and break lever all feature fine floriate engraving.
Barrel Length: 29 11/16”
Choke: Left: Improved Cylinder, Fixed. Right: Modified, Fixed.
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the barrel rib.
Weight: 6lb 11oz
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood with pistol grip, splinter forend, straight comb, and checkered composite buttplate. The buttstock shows light scattered nicks, most notable on the right side on the comb. The forend has darkened somewhat. The checkering is generally sharp. The drop at comb is 1 5/16”, the drop at heel is 1 1/4”, and the cast is slightly on. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4” and 13 1/2” from the front of the right triggers to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows light surface erosion throughout and minor wear on the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Coin
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: Both bores are bright and there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The barrels show only a few scattered minor marks. There is some minor wear in the bottom tang. The engraved areas are free of any notable wear or damage. Screws show minor tool marks with strong slots, and markings are worn, but legible. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with no play to the receiver. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: There’s scant information available about J. S. Garden of Piccadilly London, but apocryphal information has posited that it was a store that sold this side by side shotgun at retail in Piccadilly London. The guns original damascus barrels have been sleeved and re-proofed, some time since 1954. While it is best to still use black powder, it should still make for a fine shooter. . In Fine condition, both bores are clean, and there is hardly any wear—most importantly, the gorgeous engraving is intact. Good luck and happy bidding!