Army and Navy 12 Gauge single shot? (PICS OF PROOFS NOW)

Ryan500

Ryan500

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Hey guys, barely make it into this section but it seems there are some knowledgeable folks here!

So, my uncle is looking into what he has for a shotgun, i'm hoping you can lead me to some links or websites on the history of this gun.

All I have right now is that it is an Army and Navy single barrel 12 gauge, 2 1/2 chamber with CSL London on it. Very nice engraving, case is there too.

I have searched and searched and have not seen anything but doubles?? I'll have some pics hopefully soon to show and see what it is.

Thanks for your help!!
 
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There are a few of us that might be able to help. First thing is to post photos of the gun. Good clear shots of the action, breech end of the barrels, especially if there is any inscription on the top rib, if there is one, and any and all proof marks and other markings on the barrel and action flats.

English single barrels game guns are relatively rare.....because there isn't much of a market for them. But there are a few of us interested in them.

The other site I would recommend is doublegunshop forums. Post in the first section. They will need same photos.
 
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Army & Navy was a co-operative, selling all sorts of products. They didn't make guns. Many of their guns were made by Webley and also by Midland. But they sourced from many makers. Depended on what the customer wanted. Their records are kept by the University of Glasgow and for a fee you can get a letter outlining some information like original specs, who originally bought the gun and where it was shipped to.
 
Got some pics, not the best but maybe we can get some where.

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Very cool, pre-war vintage English single. I see it has a chip out of the forend back by the hinge... good gunsmith could repair that. The Army & Navy wasn't a manufacturer, but bought guns from other makers and had their name engraved on them. Most came from Webley & Scott, but really could have been made by anybody. I might be able to tell you more if I coud see the proof marks.

I would get a gunsmith to check if the chamber has been lengthened. I believe Kent loads 2 1/2" if you have a hankering to fire it.

Value is probably around $1200. Very nice that you still have the case. Beats the hell out of the old Winchester 37 I had as a kid.
 
9.3mauser said:
Very cool, pre-war vintage English single. I see it has a chip out of the forend back by the hinge... good gunsmith could repair that. The Army & Navy wasn't a manufacturer, but bought guns from other makers and had their name engraved on them. Most came from Webley & Scott, but really could have been made by anybody. I might be able to tell you more if I coud see the proof marks.
Click to expand...

That pretty much sums it up without looking at the proofmarks.

To the OP - Any idea on the choke constriction? Obtaining 2.5in shells won't be a challenge provided the bbl is in sound health. Perhaps, it's just the image.....the LOP appears to be longer?

Will the firearm be up for sale?
 
Thanks for the info all, as for if it's for sale the short answer is yes, I think so once we determine the value. The long version is he came to the range with me last visit. First time since 1989!! He has this gun and wants to sell it to get back into handguns.
 
Ryan, do you know if the case was original to the gun? Is the single barrel properly fitted into it. I notice there is no makers label.
 
The marks are from the London Proof House, not Birmingham, so it is probably NOT Webley & Scott origin. It may have been built by one of the prestigious London firms, or by any one of dozens of small shops. Even the best London firms farmed work out to one degree or another.

The 13/1 indicates the bore diameter gauged between .719" to .728". The 12 C in the diamond indicates it is chambered for 12 gauge. Choke signifies that at the time of final proof, the barrel had some degree of choke constriction, though the degree was never indicated, because subsequent owners might have the choke altered or removed, and if the bore had been polished or lapped that would alter the amount of choke as well.

This gun would have been made prior to 1925, when the case length was added to the proof marks. Sorry I couldn't narrow down the maker. I'll look through my gun books later, and if something turns up I'll let you know.
 
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