Here’s another nice double barrel shotgun coming up tomorrow, 3/8, @ Poulin’s auction. It’s a W. & C Scott, with a ton of original condition and — amazingly — its original hang tag and case. W. & C Scott was founded in 1840 by brothers William & Charles, and their company went on to become one of the most important gunmakers in the world. In 1897, the firm merged with P. Webley to form Webley & Scott. Up until around WW2, Webley & Scott was one of the largest gunmakers in the world.
The side-by-side Scott you see here was made around 1885. It’s a mid-grade gun. Mid- and lower-grade doubles were usually used hard, so it’s incredible to see all the original color-case hardening, bbl brown, and oil finish. on this one. The gun is beautifully made, too. Just take a look through the pics at the bottom of this post to see what I mean.
The fact that this gun also comes with its original, handwritten hang tag and case with the dealer’s label is another plus. The gun was retailed by William Read & Son, Washington St, Boston, and I can’t believe both those items have made it through the last 129 years.
W & C SCOTT SxS HAMMER SHOTGUN: Cal. 12 Ga., 2 1/2″. S# 36941. Bbls. 30″ Damascus steel. Fixed full & full chokes. Top rib marked “W&C Scott & Son. Makers & Patentees. London.” Case colored bar lock action with low style, rebounding circular hammers. Fine foliate scroll engraving featuring a swan on the left lock. Double triggers. Extractors. Splinter forend, with Scott-patent, pull down release lever. Round-knob stock of hand checkered fancy English walnut. LOP: 14 1/8″ over original checkered buttplate. DAC: 1 7/8″. DAH: 3 1/4″. Stock is cast off. Weight: 8 Lbs., 1 oz. Minimum wall thickness L. .040 & R. .040.
CONDITION: Bbls. retain 85% original brown finish having spots of light freckling & showing vivid Damascus pattern. Locks retain 90% original bright case colors with applied lacquer. Action retains 70% original bright case colors fading to patina in carry areas. Stock and forend have good original finish showing light wear with a few light marks & scratches. Very good, bright bores. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: original W.C. Scott & Son hang tag, numbered to gun, featuring original specifications. Upper right corner of tag missing. Original case with William Read & Sons trade label. Case in poor condition. ESTIMATE: $3000-4500
