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WATSON BROS.
A FINE 12-BORE SELF-OPENING SIDELOCK EJECTOR PIGEON GUN, NO. 20070
30-inch chopper-lump barrels with 3-inch chambers, about 3/4 choke borings, the frame, locks and pierced top lever deeply carved with acorns and oak leaves against a stippled ground surrounding highly detailed game scenes of pigeons in flight against a realistic background, each scene initialled by the engraver, the trigger plate signed, M. Smith, the top lever and trigger guard pierced around scrolling foliage, retaining all of its bright finish, clipped fences, gold washed lockwork, lined cocking indicators, 15 1/4-inch highly figured stock with Prince of Wales grip, engraved heel and toe plates and grip cap, 7lb. 4oz., nitro proof, in its maker's brassbound oak and ostrich leather case, including many tools and accessories, canvas outer cover
The maker confirms that the gun was completed circa 2002 and it appears little used. It was engraved by Martin Smith with the carving completed by Keith Thomas. The gun is illustrated in Vic Venter's recent book, "Best of British".
Martin Smith was born in 1971 and served his apprenticeship at Purdey. As a freelance engraver he has gone on to engrave guns for many makers, including Boss, Holland & Holland, David MacKay Brown and Watson Bros.
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| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Sotheby's, New Bond Street, London |
| 16 April 2014 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
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