TOBIN ARMS MFG. CO. LTD. 12-BORE SIDELOCK NON-EJECTOR, serial no. 16555, circa 1912, 30in. nitro reproved Krupp steel barrels (reproved in 1971) with file-cut matt rib, 2 3/4in. chambers, bored approx. full choke in both, hold-open toplever, manual safety, flats marked 'PAT. MAY 23 -98 PATENTS PEND'G', indicating C.M. Wollam patent No. 498043 of May 23rd, 1893, border engraving surrounding scenes of duck, retaining traces of original colour-hardening and finish, 14in. stock (cracked at hand) including buttplate
I have just bought the above at Holts. It is choked full and full,,and if I use it with Bismuth for ducks I will be paying almost as much for a box of 25 as the gun just cost me.
I haven’t received it yet, but hope that as it was reproved in 1971(by which time non-corrosive cartridges were the norm) that the bores will be OK.
Thanks to Imgur I can’t post the pictures but the “crack at hand” seems to be a small one at the back of action tang.
The action, effectively a hybrid between a box-lock and side lock (and perhaps combining the disadvantages of both) is intriguing.
I am sure that there is not a Tobin Collectors Association on this side of the pond, but do they inspire affection Stateside or in Canada?
