Amoskeag Auctions in Manchester, NH, is have a sale tomorrow, September 27, 2014 @ 9:00 AM EST. Here a couple doubles in the auction that caught my eye.
This Fox is a great grouse gun and just about as All-American as doubles. Sterlingworths are one of the best values you’ll find in American doubles. If you want a classic side-by-side, this is it.
Lot 214: A H Fox Sterlingworth Boxlock Double Ejector Shotgun: Serial #360122, 16 ga., 28″ barrels choked modified and full with about excellent bores, each showing some wad residue. The barrels retain about 97-98% original blue, the loss is due primarily to some light fading, showing perhaps a scattered spot or two of very light oxidation. The frame retains about 92-95% original color case-hardening, the only true loss being on the carry point of the belly, still exhibiting some muting colors in that area; the triggerguard retains a similar amount of original blue. The checkered walnut pistolgrip buttstock and splinter style forend rate very good plus to excellent with only minor dings and handling marks from the years, each stock cheek showing the beginnings of a light crack which would be easily arrestable by a competent wood man. The length of pull to the original grooved hard rubber buttplate is 14 1/8″ with drops of 1 5/8″ and 2 7/8″. The shotgun features an automatic safety and the lockup is Fox-tight with the top lever still right of center and the gun seems to function well mechanically. Really a super 16 bore Fox awaiting its return afield in the coming weeks. Estimated Price: $1,200 – $1,800
This Mahillion is close to best-grade Belgian shotgun, and I bet you’ll be able to buy it for around the price of a nice 20g VHE Parker. It’s a hell of a lot more gun than anything that ever came out of Meriden, though, and it would be a fantastic upland gun.
Lot 21: Fine Belgian Sidelock Double Ejectorgun By H. Mahillion Of Brussels: Description: serial #6227, 20 ga., 26 3/4″ barrels choked improved modified and extra full with bright excellent bores. This is a fabulous Belgian double gun. The barrels are engraved with the maker’s name on one side and the address on the other, they have 2 3/4″ chambers and are proofed for same. The action and locks feature full coverage fine rose and scroll engraving with “H. MAHILLION” engraved on left lock and “BRUXELLES” on right. The fences are chiseled with relief flower blossoms and the triggerguard and forend metal all show full coverage tight scroll. The barrels retain about 97% original blue overall with all engraved markings remaining crisp and clear. The action and locks retain 95% strong original color case-hardened finish. The finely checkered pistolgrip buttstock and forend are of nicely figured walnut and rate very good with thinning oil finish that should be added to. The checkering is wonderful as is the fit with the grip cap being of horn and the butt being checkered. The shotgun handles beautifully with a 15″ length of pull over checkered butt; drops of 1 1/2″ and 2 1/2″ and it weighs 6 lbs. 4 oz. This shotgun additionally features an articulated front trigger, an automatic safety and gold washed cocking arms and ejector strikers. The toeline of the stock has a gold monogram plate inlaid which is engraved “RSP”. The shotgun comes in an old, and possibly original, brass trimmed leather trunk style case with proper period Mahillion paper label inside lid along with an oil bottle, snap caps, key and cleaning implements. The condition of the case is very good plus. Mahillion guns are considered among the finest Belgian guns and this example lives up to that reputation. Truly an extremely fine and wonderful small bore sidelock double ejectorgun. Estimated Price: $3,500 – $5,500
