doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com 8 Bore Double Rifle by Perrins

Hi Everyone,



You may remember that I have put up a couple of posts regarding our Perrins Owners Club in the past.
The picture is of an 8 bore double rifle by Perrins & Son of Worcester, c1885. At the time the photograph was taken, which was published in the book, Game Guns and Rifles, by Richard Akehurst, it was owned by W. Keith Neal, probably around 1970.
I have been in contact with both the auction houses that dispersed the collection but they have been unable to find any reference to the gun. It is therefore likely that it was sold prior to his death.
It is possible that this gun is now in the USA, like so many other great English guns. It would appear that Americans appreciated the work of the English gun makers more than the English did a few years back. Obviously with a gun of this rarity and interest it will be in some ones cherished collection. It would be wonderful to find it as it would add significantly to the range of Perrins guns we know about and have recorded.
If anyone knows of its whereabouts � or indeed any other Perrins guns - we would love to hear from them � either by a PM or through the e-m link on the web site.
http://www.perrins-gunmaker-of-worcester.org.uk/
Many thanks
John

It never ceases to amaze me what a fantastic research tool the internet is and in particular what a depth of knowledge the members of this forum have. It is also wonderful that they are prepared to spend time answering questions.
It was not with any great expectations of success that I posted the above question � but straight away Douglas Tate, who is editor of Sporting Sportsman magazine, came back with a PM. He remembered seeing a Perrins 8 bore double rifle in a shop some 20 years previously.
I contacted the Kesselring family who have a gun shop in Burlington WA and both Don and Keith have been in touch. They kindly sent photographs and are trying to find out the history of the gun, which is owned by their father.
At the moment we have no evidence that it is the same gun. As you can see from the photo above, if it isn�t the same gun which was in the Keith Neal collection, then it is an identical twin � but that doesn�t really matter � we have an 8 bore double rifle, in superb condition, to add another chapter to the Perrins history.
Incidentally they mention that the gun may be for sale � so if you buy this very special gun please get in touch as you will automatically be entitled to join the �Perrins Owners Club�.
Many thanks to Douglas, Keith and Don for their efforts and also to Roy for planting the original idea of asking the forums members to help track down this gun.
Here are a few more pictures to make you drool!!!

It's interesting to see that the round pictured is a hollow-point, I suppose anything less would just not have the needed stopping power...

WOW! What a great gun! The sidelocks seem slung a bit lower--would that be to beef up the wood at the top of the action? It would seem like a good idea. Excellent condition, and check out all those rifling lands...thanks for posting. Steve
PS Has the gun been re-case colored?

Nice old Dinosaur killer.

It does look exceedingly crisp for a gun that was made 150 - 160 years ago.
Hopefully the Kesselring brothers will be able to shed some light on the history and renovation work, if any, which has been carried out.
You learn something every day!! I didn't know there were dinosaurs about 150 years ago - obviously there are others who can remember that far back!!!!
Only kidding!!
John

Thats what a colour case hardening job should look like .

If any of your wives are having problems with your Christmas presents then Keith Kesselring tells me they are prepared to sell the Perrins rifle - asking price $85,000.00.
As a bonus you get free membership of the Perrins Owners Club � so get in touch if you buy it.
John

I think I saw a Dinosaur last Friday night...or maybe it was Nancy Pelosi...Lovely gun, sometimes I wish I had money....

Beautiful. I don't think the locks are set any lower than normal, Steve, it's just that the standing breech has to be so much higher to accommodate the diameter of 8 bore barrels. It makes them look lower.

I really need one like that to use on these peanut eating hogs that have moved onto the place. Lessee, that'd take 190 bales of cotton to buy.

SRH