Back in the ’90s, most hammer guns were curiosities few people were interested in. But thanks to magazines like The Doublegun Journal and organizations like The Vintagers, these old SxSs became the must-have doubles everyone wanted. Old ones that wouldn’t have brought $500 in 1995 were selling for $2,500 by 2005.
As a result, gun dealers grabbed every hammer gun they could find, slapped a high price on it, and made money. So today harder than ever to find nice, original hammer guns at decent prices. That being said, the W & C Scott sidelock SxS hammergun you see here appears to just that – nice, original and, because it’s a no-reserve auction, fairly priced.
When this gun was made, W & C Scott’s best-quality gun was The Premier Gun. This isn’t a Premier. Instead, it’s a high-quality, hand built, medium-grade gun. It’s on Gunbroker.com now and the listing ends on 8/30/2018 @ 9:31 PM, EST.
Beautiful W&C Scott Sidelock Double that was was manufactured at the Birmingham works in 1878 for retail through Scott’s London storefront. A bespoke piece with features, dimensions and appointments tailored to order, the gun features 30″, twin-beaded, browned Damascus barrels joined by a solid rib, manual extractor, wonderfully figured English Walnut pistol grip stock capped with a checkered buttplate of horn, and embellishment in the form of 70% engraving coverage. Brilliantly performed by one of the era’s finest artists, the engraving consists of classic, English vine-and-scroll highlighted by a Spaniel and Setter on either flank, each dog chasing an egret and a pheasant, respectively. The engraving extends to both the barrel and bolsters, while the blued trigger guard is adorned with a matching game bird. Wonderfully finished and in a remarkable state of preservation, the gun has seen no restoration, refinish or refreshing, with unfaded engraving, vivid Damascus star patterns on the barrel, while the receiver is awash in original case color. A wonderful find for the discriminating enthusiast, this Scott undoubtedly saw regular use followed by intervals of maintenance, likely by the original maker. Appearing ready for the field for decades to come, the gun locks up tightly, exhibits
bits superior balance and both bores are pristine. A true classic from a British icon, this all-original early W&C Scott Sidelock would be an outstanding addition to any advanced collection.
Condition
Very fine, the gun has seen no refinish, and retains better than 70% naturally softening case color on the frame and hammers, with the areas of selected bluing displaying almost no finish loss apart from subtle fading. The barrels have largely turned to a brown-tinged steel patina with 70% Damascus pattern. There is light oxidation along the outside of the barrels with rubbing around the muzzle-no rust or pitting is present on any metal surface. The markings are correct, with matching numbers on all components and no fading of the engraving. No import or export mark is present and the gun has not been reproved. The furniture shows light, consistent wear to the checkering and no cracks, chips, sanding or refreshing. Mechanically excellent, both bores are on the face, lockup is tight and the action is impressive. The bores are outstanding-clean and bright with no rust, pitting or oxidation.
