Let's see some pic's of your SxS's & O/U's

leveractionjunkie said:
Thanks canvasback, just spent an hr + looking over various manufrance doubles on vintagedoubles ��
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Much as I like Kirby’s selection at Vintagedoubles, go to naturabuy.com. It’s a French auction site. If you don’t speak French, navigate to fusils des chasses (hunting guns), then to juxtapose (SxS) and then select Manufrance Ideal. More there right now than for sale everywhere in North America combined. If I wasn’t on my phone I’d provide the link. Great time waster!

Edit to add link: This is a link to Naturabuy with the search function set to 12 gauge MF Ideals and Robusts, both models of SxS. estimates suggest total production of the Robust design was around 950, 000 and the Ideal design was around 100,000 plus.

https://www.naturabuy.fr/Fusils-Juxtaposes-calibre-12-Manufrance-robust-Ideal--critere-23020.html
 
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canvasback said:
Much as I like Kirby’s selection at Vintagedoubles, go to naturabuy.com. It’s a French auction site. If you don’t speak French, navigate to fusils des chasses (hunting guns), then to juxtapose (SxS) and then select Manufrance Ideal. More there right now that fir sale everywhere in North America combined. If I wasn’t on my phone I’d provide the link. Great time waster!
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Oh my.................Well that’s gonna make it hard to get any work done today. Thanks :)
 
normanmclean said:
James, have you read any work By Stephen Bodio? I believe he carried a Manufrance Ideal 16.
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Yes I sure have. And Steven Dodd Hughes, who has written about them in SS magazine. I was a member, until it's demise, of the DarneUSA forum, dedicated really to all French guns, despite it's name. And given that Darne and Manufrance tower over all other French makers in terms of volume, I learned a ton about Ideals over there. I also have a book from France, in French, by Mournetas that is a history of the model. I've bought Ideals in Canada and France and have spent a fair bit of time with them, mostly 16's but my keeper is my 12 gauge. Still looking for the right 16 to put in the collection.

Ideals play to the same strengths that make small bore Foxes so appealing...but they go one step further. Like a Fox, they are sleek, only sleeker. The Fox action is relatively simple, the Ideal action is simpler. The Fox action is strong, because of it's simplicity. The Ideal action is stronger. A couple areas where Ideal's really stand out when compared to Fox is the quality of the barrels and the engraving on the higher grades. It's a clear step up from what Fox offered on their better grades. The Manufrance Ideal was introduce in 1888 and production stopped in 1985, when the company closed down.

We know that production from 1888 to 1939 totaled about 78,000 graded guns. The volume after WWII is unknown. I have seen them in 10, 12, 16, 24, 28 and 32 gauges. Something for everyone.
 
A few pictures of my latest refinishing project. It is a 1985 Vincenzo Bernardelli Roma 6EM 20 gauge.

26.75" barrels - choked IC & IM - 14.25" LOP - 6 pounds - European swan-neck stock - Full coverage scroll and game scene engraving

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Patrick, that gun looks much better when I’m not looking at it on my phone! Nice work.

Good day for taking pics. I have a bit of eye candy for you SxS enthusiasts. Check back later today.
 
Well, true to my word, I'm back today with pics of something a little special. This is a 1930 James Purdey & Sons Best 12 gauge self opener. It is in pretty good condition and is #1 of a matched set. The number #2 gun gun got sold by the original owner a long time ago. This fine firearm has 2 3/4" chambers in 25" original barrels choked full and IC. While it's an odd configuration, the original owner did most of his hunting along the shores of Georgian Bay. I expect he used the gun primarily for ruffed grouse but might take a poke at the odd duck. It's been in the same family since new, until I showed up yesterday.

This gun will likely be with me at the Annual SxS shoot in June.




 
gunsaholic said:
James, there is no point in acquiring that Purdey if you don't have the tweed jacket and cap to go with it!!! Can't be seen carrying a bespoken gun like that without the proper attire.
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Crap, you are right Brian. And the tweed and cap, along with the plus fours may put the whole thing out of my price range!!! What to do....what do do????? :confused:
 
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