Offered here is a rare and classic English sporting shotgun from the early 20th century.
Manufactured in 1905 by William Evans, who worked for Holland & Holland and Purdey's, this shotgun represents one of the highest quality bespoke sporting arms manufactured in London at the time. This piece was made in Evan's shop at 63 Paul Mall in London, which was established in 1896.
This gun is in very good condition overall for its age. The case hardening on the receiver is almost completely worn away with traces of it still being visible. The engraving is very detailed and very fine with only minor wear near some edges. The barrels retain about 85% of its original bluing with some fading and wear. There is no visible rust or pitting on the metal surfaces. This shotgun is mounted with a full length trough rib with silver bead at the muzzle.
The European straight wrist stock and forend remains in good sound condition with typical wear marks. The checkering remains in good condition throughout except for the left side of the forend where it is worn. There are no cracks, splits, or repairs of any kind in the stock or forend. The red rubber recoil pad is worn and hard from age. The LOP is approximately 15 inches.
This gun is mechanically sound with positive functioning action and auto safety. Lockup is tight. Forend latch and ejectors are strong. The 30" barrels have bright shiny bores with 2 1/2"in chambers and chokes measuring IC (Left) and Cylinder (Right)
The receiver is marked with serial “7230” on both sides of the water table and on the lower tang. There are two crown over “V” proofs on the water table. Both side locks are marked “William Evans, / From. Purdey’s, / London.”. The forend metal is also marked “7230”. The top of the barrels is marked “William Evans (From Purdey’s) 63 Pall Mall St. James London”. The bottom of the barrels are marked “7230” on the rounded portion and “Nitro Proof 1 1/8 Oz. Maximum 12C” in a diamond, and three proofs and the number "12" on each barrel. Automatic safety on top of the tang with brass inlaid "SAFE" marking.
This gun comes with its original carrying case by C.B. Vaughan, which was probably the shop that originally sold this gun. There are vintage Canadian Pacific railway luggage tags on the top which indicates this shotgun's journey to Canada from England. The case is in good condition for its age, the leather straps are worn but solid, the interior felt and dividers in good condition with some tears at the hinge. The brass latch and lock are deformed and seized with no key. Also included in the case is a two piece wood and brass cleaning rod, polishing cloth, and three cleaning attachments: a brass barrel jag, wool chamber mop and iron "tornado" style chamber brush.
This shotgun is an excellent example of fine British sporting arms and a great addition to any collection. Steel shot should not be used with this gun, nor shells longer than 2.5". Commercial 2.5" shells are available, as well as minishells. This gun is smokeless (Nitrocellulose) proofed for up to 1 1/8oz lead loads.
Ammunition available in store.
Local pick-up preferred. Please contact for a shipping quote.
