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Forums10
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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 27
Junior Member
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OP
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 27 |
I was at the Calgary Gun Show last weekend and happened across an old 20 ga. side lock. It sports a color case-hardened receiver, front action side locks, double triggers, open hammers, and a solid matte rib w/doll's head. The barrels are marked "Laminated Steel" (on the top rib)and display an attractive 'twist' pattern which is mostly intact, except around the fore end, where it has worn through. The receiver is lightly engraved with boundary trim and a likeness of a teal on one side and a grouse on the other.
The mediallion under the butt stock bears the initials of, I presume, the original owner, as well as the year "1904". Aside from the proof marks on the barrel flats and the water table,the only other markings on the gun are the name "SAXTON", engraved on both side plates.
I searched the internet high and low and found only a half-dozen mentions of this maker. Most of those were people asking for info, just like I am here. Only one contained a picture. The one image is of a 12 gauge at auction in the UK (in pathetic condition - worse than poor - for which the expected sale price was 200 - 300 British Pounds!)
Does anybody have any information about this maker or his guns?
Last edited by Straight Shooter; 03/27/08 06:13 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,781
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Some Saxtos were of Birmingham origin, others were a cheaper Belgian gun. What do the proof marks show?? MDC
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598 |
MD is correct. You really need to post some pictures.
There was an Artemas Leonard of Saxton Rivers, VT who built some sxs. The name also appears on guns by A Leonard & Sons. There have also been some guns that have a London address on them. Finally, some Saxton sxs have appeared with Belgian proofs.
Pete
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Joined: Sep 2004
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OP
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A friend and I looked up the proof marks. They're undeniably Birmingham black powder proofs. No question that this gun is British. I'll take some pictures and post them for you to see for yourself.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2001
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Carder says: " Saxton Arms, Birmingham proof marks, London address.A fine English best gun. no history known" MDC
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 27
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OP
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Posts: 27 |
That's wonderful!! I knew this gun showed all the characteristics of a fine gun. Too bad it wasn't a higher grade (look at me, looking a gift horse in the mouth!).
I have a flat of Gamebore Traditions 2 1/2" shells. It's my understanding that those shells generate approximately 6500 psi. I've heard that these old blackpowder era pieces were designed to withstand pressures in the 6000 to 8000 psi range. Is that consistent with what you gentlemen know?
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