Charles Lancaster & Co. London Grade E 12 Gauge Side-by-Side Double Shotgun with Original Case

Charles Lancaster & Co. London side-by-side shotgun in 12 bore, fitted with automatic ejectors and offered with its original fitted case and an impressive collection of period Charles Lancaster factory paperwork.

This is a classic English sporting gun displaying traditional London styling and fine scroll engraving. Charles Lancaster was an important early name in the development of British extractor and ejector systems, and particularly noteworthy with this example is the surviving factory documentation relating specifically to its fore-end ejector mechanism.

Mechanical & Functional Condition:

The action is tight. Both hammers cock and fire correctly, the safety functions as intended, and the automatic ejectors operate properly. These observations are based on basic function checks only.

Barrels & Chambers:

Fitted with 30" barrels with bright, shiny bores as observed.

The barrel flats display period British proof markings including “NITRO PROOF” and “CHOKE,” indicating that the gun was proofed for smokeless powder under the standards applicable at the time.

Chamber length is not specifically marked in inches on the barrel flats and should not be assumed solely from the 12-bore designation.

Metalwork:

The metal surfaces display an attractive blue-brown period patina with areas of bluing loss, consistent with age and honest use.

Traditional scroll engraving remains clearly visible on the receiver and trigger guard, retaining the classic appearance expected of an English sporting gun of this period. Please refer to the photographs for overall cosmetic condition.

Stock & Furniture:

The stock shows scratches and dents consistent with long-term use. A stable, period repair is present on the left side of the wrist.

The stock is fitted with a traditional oval silver escutcheon, a feature commonly found on quality English sporting guns and traditionally intended for the original owner's initials.

Serial Numbers:

Matching serial numbers are observed on the components currently visible.

Original Fitted Case & Period Factory Documentation:

Included is the original fitted case with traditional green felt interior, showing age-related wear consistent with its period.

Of particular interest, the case retains several pieces of period Charles Lancaster factory documentation, including:

• An original “EJECTOR HAMMERS ON FORE END” instruction card, complete with a diagram showing the correct position of the ejector hammers before attaching the fore-end and instructions for resetting them.
• A Charles Lancaster “Instructions for Loading Cartridges” card, specifically completed for a 12 Bore Ejector Gun.
• A large period Charles Lancaster & Co. Gun & Rifle Manufacturers trade label, displaying the firm's London information, Royal Warrant references, and awards from the 1908 Franco-British Exhibition and 1910 Japan-British Exhibition.

These surviving period documents correspond closely with the gun's 12-bore ejector configuration and add considerably to the historical presentation and collectibility of the complete gun, case, and paperwork set.

Important Notice:

This shotgun is offered primarily for its historical and collectible value rather than as a modern field gun.

Although the barrels carry period British “NITRO PROOF” markings, these indicate proof under the standards applicable at the time and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the gun is suitable for any particular modern 12-bore ammunition.

If the buyer intends to fire this shotgun, it must first be inspected by a competent gunsmith. The actual chamber dimensions, barrel and mechanical condition, and suitability of the specific ammunition intended for use should all be confirmed before firing.