doublegunshop.com - home Forums Thread Like Summary - UPDATE * T.BLAND & SONS "EUOPLIA" 12GA PARADOX GUN

THOMAS BLAND & SONS - "EUOPLIA" - 12GA PARADOX GUN

Hello All,

I brought this over from another Forum because I'm so excited about the purchase that I wanted to share it here also.

I've been looking for a Paradox Gun for about 4 years. Several have escaped me because they were too pricey.

I took a real gamble on this Paradox Gun because the auction listing had a very skimpy description.

This picture below was the only information that was listed about the gun.

.



.

I didn't want to ask too many questions before bidding, because in the past it has resulted in the Auction House updating the listing which made it more desirable to all the auction watchers, and caused the price to shoot-up beyond my budget. So, I bit my tongue and took a gamble. The RED background photos are from the auction listing. The other photos are mine.

Well, the gamble paid off in spades. I received a absolute MINT condition Paradox Gun, Factory Cased with matching bullet mold, loading tools, and cleaning accessories. Its hard to believe this gun is 127 years old.

Here's the specs:

28" Barrels - 13-7/8" LOP - 7 lbs 6 oz - Rebounding Hammers - 2-Leaf Express Sight marked "50" & "100"
Rib is marked "The "EUROPLIA" Ball & Shot Gun" - "T. Bland & Sons 430 West Strand London"
Barrels marked "A&T" (Adams & Tate - maker) - Birmingham Proofed
Matching Bullet Mold - Casts a Conical bullet - 790g RN & 730g HP
Misc. Tools, Powder/Shot Measures, Loading Tube/Rammer/Decapper, Capper, & Wad Punch

What's really amazing is the condition. All original finish in nearly 99% condition with full case-color remaining. Bores and chambers appear to be "un-fired". The only defect I could find was a small 1/16" chip off the tip of the toe of the horn butt-plate.

My only question is: the end of the cleaning rod handle has a leather washer pinned to its end. What is this for? ... and, does anyone know who Mr. Shields might have been?

As always, your comments are most welcome.

Hello All,

here's an update ....

I've been busy making paradox crimping tools for my fellow shooters. Here's an update ..

tool number 58 for 12 gauge



tool number 59 for 12 gauge



tool number 60 for 10 gauge



tool number 61 for 12 gauge



and number 3 roll crimper for 12 gauge paper hulls



Thanks to all that had me make them a tool ... I am glad to make more if shooters need them. Send me a PM

Hello All,

Here's an update .... I've been making my Paradox Crimping tool for a lot of Forum Members. Last week I was contacted by a former customer that bought 2 of my crimping tools. He asked me if I could make him a Custom 12ga Paradox "Roll-Crimper" for paper cases. I had made one before for plastic cases, but never for paper ones. I said I'd give it a try. Its different from A conventional roll crimper because it has to accommodate bullet or ball or slug, sticking out of the case.

Well, here it is .... its number "2" Paradox Roll Crimp Tool. It has an adjustable center stem to position the bullet down into the case while rolling the crimp. its adjustable for different bullet nose shapes. I'm sure I'll be making more of these in the future by request.



I also finished Crimping Tool number 53 for 12 gauge. I evolved into making this style after tool number 10, and have stayed with it ever since. There are slight variation from one to the other because each tool is custom made. I only have enough components left for 2 more tools, so if anyone is interested in having me build them a tool, please reply asap.