The side-by-side shotgun you see here is probably one of kind. It’s a Best-quality 28 gauge made by James Woodward & Sons, London, in 1940
Woodward started making guns in 1874 and ceased in 1948 when they sold their business to James Purdey & Sons. In the seventy-six years they made firearms, two of their most important patents were for the Woodward Automatic – a gun that cocked “automatically” when it was opened – and the Woodward Over Under.
This 28 gauge SxS was made on Woodward’s later hammerless design. It’s a pretty standard barrel-cocker, meaning the action uses the leverage of the dropping barrels to cock the hammers.
To my eye, it looks like it has been refinished. I wonder if it has been restocked, too? Either way, it’s probably the only one in the world like made by Woodward.
Here’s more about it from the seller:
JAMES WOODWARD BEST PRE WAR SXS 28 GAUGE: POSSIBLY THE ONLY 28 GAUGE SXS THAT WOODWARD MADE 26″ 022 AND 028 2 3/4 DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP CHECKERED BUTT NEW CONDITION MAKERS MOTOR CASE 5LBS 1 OZ X 2 1/2 X 1 1/2 X 14 7/8. Price : $99,500.00
