Here’s a last-minute alert for what looks like a nice double. This Dickson SxS is on Gunbroker.com now. The listing end today, 4/15/2019, @ 9:36 PM. It’s a No Reserve sale and right now the gun is cheap. So if you like it, bid — you could get a deal.
John Dickson & Sons of Edinburgh Scottish 12 gauge SxS Shotgun: Double Hammerless Boxlock by J. Dickson & Sons of Edinburgh; ca.1920 Edinburgh Production; 12 Bore; Barrels: 30″ Chopper Lump Steel, Game Rib; Chambers: 3″; Choked: Modified & Full; Shared Extractor; Min. Wall Thickness: .033″ & .035″; Pistol Grip Walnut Stock: LOP: 14 1/2″; Drops: 1 3/4″ & 2 1/2″; Weight: 7lbs. 11oz.; Reproved at London Proof House in 1997 (Still in Proof)
Stunning, second-grade hammerless boxlock by J. Dickson & Sons of Edinburgh…manufactured between the wars, this bespoke J. Dickson represents a lovely example of the work produced by one of Scotland’s most celebrated makers. Identified by serial number and confirmed by feature, this model was regarded as the second of five grades, and would have been customized to the original buyers taste. The features include a 30″ barrel of durable fluid steel, shared extractor, Anson & Deeley action with third cross-bolt fastener, 3″ chamber, pistol grip stock of fancy flamed Walnut, and embellishment in the form of 75% coverage Acanthus scroll engraving from one of Edinburgh’s most accomplished masters. A remarkably original example, this gun was undoubtedly ordered by someone of means and-despite the British tradition of frequent refurbishment-appears to have only seen standard maintenance, as well as a period reblue of the barrels and refreshing of the stock, with the factory case colors, although softening, remaining at a lovely 60%. A stunning example of an English classic from the end of Britain’s golden age of gun making, this shotgun-reproved in 1997 and ready for trips afield this Fall-would be an outstanding addition to any discriminating collection.
Condition
Excellent, the re-blackened barrels are at 90%, the original bluing on the underside of the frame is evenly faded but remains at a lovely 75%, with the frame displaying softening but rich pastel case color hues trending from pink to violet and blue. There is dried lubricant, as well some honest fading, but neither rust or pitting are present on any metal surface. The markings include matching numbers, period Birmingham House proofs, J. Dickson & Sons signature on the sides of the receiver and Edinburgh address on the top rib of the barrel. None of the markings have been buffed, and the engraving is brilliantly executed, and finely preserved with crisp edges. Other markings include an importer mark on the barrel from the shotgun’s re-import in 1997, as well as London House proofing from that period-the gun remains in proof. The furniture displays some handling marks and a tight, non-flexing hairline crack extending from the right of the upper tang that, having been properly attended to, does not extend all the way through. The stock is capped with a horn grip cap and period Silver’s rubber recoil pad, and the forend, fitted with an Anson & Deeley release and ebony tip, is original and excellent. Mechanically flawless, the lock up is tight with both bores on face, the gun exhibits unparalleled balance, and both bores-clean and mirror bright-are excellent to near-mint.
