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Forums10
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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,737
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,737 |
Well, my W.Chance 14 bore came in yesterday. It's a really fine gun. The LONDON SILVER STEEL barrels do have some figure on the underside, in fact completely covered with brown "crazy stripes"; no discernible pattern at all. Just worn away topside and elsewhere as someone opined on one of the other threads. Three Gold stripes with some beautiful engraving in between. I sure can see, or rather feel, the high carbon content Greener said there was in barrels so marked: they are heavy! Bores are nice. Some very minor "dusting" of rust in spots, but no signs of pitting at all, and I don't think they've been honed.
Engraving everywhere is finely done and deep in parts. I don't go in for game scenes, but the action has a single dog and a single pheasant flushing - same direction on each side! The dog(s) and bird(s) are very well done, certainly MUCH better than on many Parker and other "name" guns I've seen (no flying turnips!)
I can't find a serial # anywhere, which is in keeping with the mystery of this maker. Odd with such quality evident, but I guess there were a ton of workers who struck out on their own and went largely unnoticed back in the day.
The powder flask and shot pouch are welcome accessories, and they too are very nice and in fine condition. However, it's doubtful they are original to the gun. Especially the shot pouch, which has an interesting twist. Engraved on the lever that opens the spout are the words "Bishop" and "Bond St", no "of" in there, but of course the first thing you think of is Westley Richards. Did they make such items, and if so, wouldn't they engrave the company name instead of the "nickname" of the London proprietor/Cigar Store Indian figure? While I found the powder flask quickly in the Riling book, I can't find this pouch. It's a mystery - I just can't imagine there would be a connection to Westley Richards, yet why the aforementioned words?
Anyway, It is a fine gun, and once I get my camera working I'll post some pictures for those interested.
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 578
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 578 |
I have a Belgian made back action locks 14 ga. Haven't shot it in some years, but it is a great shooter. I use equal amounts of BP and shot from my measure with Circle Fly wads with good results.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,768 Likes: 115
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,768 Likes: 115 |
William Bishop was, I think, just an agent for Westley Richards in London. His name on the flask would increase its collectability. I have looked through my books for information on Chance but come up blank on that one. Lagopus.....
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,544
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,544 |
We had a rare 1896 Stephen Grant sidelock ejector delivered the other day. It has original 14-bore damascus barrels of 30" and additional 28" Stephen Grant steel barrels. Both contained in the oak and leather case.
It came with an unopened case of 250 14-bore Eley 'Gastight' cartridges.
The barrels are interchangeable and one forend fits both.
Funny what turns up!
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,737
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,737 |
Many Thanks to the both of you - "pop", that's a nice bit of info for a load. Lagopus, this guy is a real mystery man. Apparently, or should I say supposedly, he sold "trade guns" to American Indians in the Pacific Northwest. PeteM got ahold of the most information I've seen - The Chance name/company went through many incarnations, the last being W.Chance Co. which is on my piece. Prior to that it was W. Chance & Sons.
Interesting bit about William Bishop's name and "address" making the pouch more valuable. I just can't make the connection, which is even harder to research than W.Chance guns!
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,737
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,737 |
Dig, that's a great little event! What a find - must have taken you aback for a moment, to say the least. This game/career/lifelong pursuit we're all involved in has so many twists and turns and "What the---?" occurences, you just can't beat it!
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 41
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 41 |
Small Bore, Is the Grant 14, and cartridges for sale?. If so please E-Mail me @ < sfq@comcast.net > with the details. Thank You. sfq
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 268 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 268 Likes: 4 |
That sounds like a neat find! I have an 1850's 14 bore double (which actually fits me), not so very far away. Not sure I'm allowed in Mass. though.
Good to know where Dudley is as well!
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 195
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 195 |
Colleagues I have a 14 gauge D. Kirkwood (Boston) sidelock and have been considering buying a custom gaugemate ( http://www.gaugemate.com/custom.htm). Has anyone tried this? My good friend Mal MacGregor, who is very well known to this Forum, suggests Duck tape and 16 gauge shells! Best wishes for the Holidays and Coming New Year Berrien
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