I'm well aware of the "buy the gun, not the name" adage when it comes to fine shotguns, but I was wondering what the general reputation of Charles Hellis shotguns is in the marketplace. I'm looking at a sideplated boxlock in very nice condition but wanted some idea of how they are perceived before I go for it.

Thanks.

Nothing wrong with the guns produced by Charles Hellis. If you have a number I should be able to give an aproximate year. Records still exsist for research. He had numerous addresses and at one period merged with Grant and Lang. If you can get hold of a copy of the book Atkin, Grant & Lang by Don Masters you will find loads of information. He ceased around the 1950's following a merger with Charles Rosson of Norwich when they went into the cartridge business together and I think was then taken over by Gallyons of Norwich. The business continued on in name only. Lagopus.....

40X: I have one termed 'The Reliable' . It is a basic box lock with very little engraving. I have had the gun to pieces and it is an extremely well made gun. The internals are polished to a high degree. All the springs are robust and of the leaf spring type. The trigger pulls are exceptional. You would be hard put to find a gun made today that is as well made as this 90 yr old gun. A side plated Hellis, like you are contemplating is a higher grade box lock than 'the Reliable'. Hellis made very good guns IMO.

Abbie at Cornell Publishing has copies of several Hellis catalogs. I sent her my originals to make avail to others.
I have a side plated BLE SN 53xx. It dates ca 1950. My gun is 26" and is used for quail hunting.
The before WW2 the Hellis BLEs I have seen had a 3rd fastner (might have been standard or optional). The after the wars guns did not have the 3rd fastner.
Side plated guns have a love-hate following. Some folks like the extra engraving, others see it as an attempt to imitate a sidelock. When I bought my gun, the side plate and shorter barrels discounted the price a huge amount.
I have seen longer barreled guns, 28-30" in the $3500-$4000 price range over the years.

Joe

Hi, I have a 16b C.H. BLE (with sideplates). This is one of my favorites. Very well made, wonderful balance, bbl regulation is spot on, just a wonderful game gun. If mine has any faults in function, fit and finish I've never found any. IMO a very good maker and a quality gun.

Here's mine:



Best!

Greg

I can't get my head wrapped around sideplates. Form follows function and all that. I have seen very few that didn't look an afterthought.

Hellis was one of the makers that specialized in 2" 12 ga. guns. I got mine 10 years ago on the advice of a friend who knew about it but had his own WR 2' 12ga. I put the pad on to correct LOP and it's a joy to one hand through the New England grouse woods (5#-8, 26"). I've taken plenty of woodcock with it but have yet to get a grouse. More time in the woods I suppose.

BTW, my friend passed away 3 years ago (he had sold the WR some years back) and left me all his 2" shells. Some of it is 15/16oz. but I think I'm safe

More detailed history here:

http://www.hellis.com/history.html

Some records are available for review, contact them for more info.

Greg, those funny little separate, add-on sideplates are kinda cute. I've seen a few of those, and I think Hellis was maybe the only maker that used that particular design for sideplated guns.

Always thought Cogswell & Harrison came up with the best euphemism for sideplates: "ornamental strengthening plates".

Dig had a boxlock for sale on his website with similar "add-on" sideplates. I am guessing it was cheaper to add those to standard "made in the trade" A&D boxlock actions than special ordering actions with integrated sideplates. Sideplated boxlocks seem to be more in demand on the Continent than the UK.

Here's a Spanish sideplate

Careful. I have seen a realy cheap Spanish side lock finished up as Chales Hellis .Supposedly by one of the later incarnations of the name/owner /maker .Itwas disgrace to do this to a once fine gunmaking name . All the original Hellis guns I have seen or worked on have been of good medium quality .