My friend across the water, William Juch, has died. He and I had a long correspondence and frequent Zoom calls. We had met (online!) over our shared interest in the guns, life and inventiveness of Frederick Beesley. We researched this fascinating gunmaker over a number of years and built up much information that had never come to light before, all with the intention of one day, in our retirement, writing a book on the chap. Now I shall endeavour to do so, but with William's spirit beside me, rather than his measured, incisive and brilliant mind, gentlemanly nature and good humour to share and guide us along.
Over the years, whilst living in England, as well as back home in Connecticut and later in Massachusetts, William built an interesting and eclectic gun collection. His estate is now selling that collection and I feel a number of folk on here may be interested to view some or all of his collection online. The auction house Guyette and Deeter is running the auction from now until 11 September. They have a well put together catalogue, which can be viewed here:
https://issuu.com/mtjstevenson/docs...n_september_10_11_20?fr=sYmU3NDgzNzc0NDcBy way of adding to the interest this may spark in some on here, I attach a list of the guns, as described by the auction house:
Fredrick Beesley Of Purdey's 12 Bore Single Trigger Game Gun
Exceptionally Rare Lightweight 12 Bore Game Gun with Assisted Opening System by Fredrick Beesley
Incredibly Rare Fredrick Beesley from Purdey's 16 Bore "Shot Over" Rising Bite Prototype Shotgun
Scarce Fredrick Beesley 16 Bore Game Gun with Case and Its Original Stock
Very Useful Nitro Proved John Harper 16 Bore Game Gun
Fine 16 Bore James Purdey Shotgun with Assisted Opening System
Truly Unique James Purdey Combination Muzzleloader
Beautiful E.J. Churchill Premiere Quality XXV Game Gun with Makers Case
Desirable Pre-War Boss & Co. 20 Bore Assisted Opening Shotgun
Very Rare Westley Richards 20 Bore Droplock Shotgun with Case
Scarce Pellet Ignition Joseph Manton Percussion Muzzleloader In 12 Bore Shotgun
Very Cool Early Production Alexander Henry Muzzleloading Double Rifle
Gorgeous Gold Inlaid Browning B25 20 Bore Superlight
Delightful Browning Superposed 12 Bore B2G Target Gun
Excellent Browning Citori CXS 20 Bore Shotgun
Fantastic S.P.A. Luigi Franchi Imperiale Monte Carlo 12 Bore Game Gun Engraved By Medici
P. Beretta 390 12 Bore Shotgun
Excellent G. Juch 12 Bore Over Under Hand Detachable Shotgun
Two Well Dried Shotgun Stock Blanks
I believe this list shows William as a man of good taste when it came to appreciating the guns we love. He was good friends with David Trevallion, David having worked on a number of the guns in this list.
God speed and rest easy, my friend.
Tim
