Wilkinson & Son, Pall Mall, London.
.410 Back-action Hammergun
No. 7107
Year of manufacture: 1879
Click on these images for more detail.
Heritage
Guns' Comment
James Wilkinson was trained under
Henry Nock, a highly respected gunmaker of the muzzle loading
era. He then became a partner to Henry in 1785, setting up on
his own at the same address in 1805. James's son was acknowledged
in the business name in 1818 and James died in 1848.
The firm was known for high quality guns and cutlery and the name
survives to this day in the famous Wilkinson Sword razor blades
although they ceased to sell guns in 1939 with the outbreak of
the 2nd WW.
This lovely .410 hammergun was made originally as a double rifle
and although the precise calibre of ammunition is unknown, from
its light weight it can be assumed it was chambered for one of
the lighter recoiling, black powder rounds. With the change in
UK certificate rules over recent decades, many small double rifles
were bored out to become smooth bore .410's or 28's so that the
gun could be kept in the family without the need for a firearm
licence. This made for many heavy and ungainly small bore shotguns
and we generally avoid them. However, at only 5lb 5oz and with
a good balanced feel, we thought this very pretty gun was worth
restoring.
With the engraving still crisp on the locks and action, a nicely
figured replacement stock and original steel barrels, this gun
would make a very handy little gun for clays or game.
WE REGRET THAT
THIS GUN IS NOW SOLD. IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR A SIMILAR GUN,
PLEASE CONTACT US.
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The action is of traditional
design and features:
Double triggers;
Stanton's patent, back-action, rebounding locks;
Medium level hammers;
Sprung strikers;
Percussion fences;
Jones rotary underlever;
Long top strap;
Cross bolt/wedge forend fastener.
Engraving style: Full coverage of fine foliate scroll. Breech
ends with a flash of scroll engraving.
Gun weight 5lb 5oz
Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 3 lbs Rear
trigger 3 ½ lbs
The steel barrels are 27" in length, chambered for 3"
(76mm) cartridges and are of brazed 'dovetail' lump construction with
soft soldered ribs.
Top rib is of a flat, file cut style with an inlet where the rear
sight would have been. The original front rifle sight is still fitted.
There are a few vestigial pits in the otherwise bright, clean bores.
Birmingham reproof for 76mm nitro powder cartridges in 2016.
Approximate barrel measurements
at date of publication:
|
Nominal Proof Size
|
Bore Diameter 9" from Breech
|
Minimum Wall Thickness
|
Choke Constriction
|
Right Barrel |
11.0mm (0.433")
|
0.428"
|
0.030+"
|
0.002" (Skeet)
|
Left Barrel |
11.0mm (0.433")
|
0.427"
|
0.030+"
|
0.003" (IC)
|
The replacement Pistol Grip Stock and original
Splinter Forend are crafted from well figured walnut. The stock
carries no detectable cast, a horn grip cap and is finished with an
engraved iron butt plate secured by engraved screws.
The forend features a horn tip which has been repaired and
refitted.
The 20 lines per inch chequering has been refreshed
to a normal sidelock pattern.
The stock is finished with a traditional linseed oil based
preparation as used on best guns by one of the top English makers.
This finish uses no grain fillers to achieve its deep, smooth lustre,
only many hours of alternate build and flatting off of the surface.
Approximate stock
measurements at date of publication:
Pull to Heel
|
Pull to Bump
|
Pull to Centre
|
Pull to Toe
|
14 7/8"
|
15 1/8"
|
15 1/16"
|
15 3/8"
|
Drop at Comb
|
Drop at Face
|
Drop at Heel
|
1 3/8"
|
1 5/8"
|
2"
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Cast-off at Comb
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Cast-off at Heel
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Neutral
|
Neutral
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For the purposes of these measurements,
'Drop at Face' is the 'drop' measurement taken on a line perpendicular
to the
line joining the trigger and centre of the butt at approximately 8"
from the trigger (front trigger on a double trigger gun).
Patents Exhibited include:
Jones rotary underlever patent no. 2040 of 1859;
Stanton's rebounding lock patent no. 367 of 1867.