W.R. Leeson 20 Gauge Hammer Gun – Circa 1890 – (Pre-1898)

W.R. Leeson 20 Gauge Hammer Gun – Circa 1890 – (Pre-1898)

27" Blued Steel Barrels | Jones Underlever | Double Hammers & Triggers | Fine Scroll Engraving | 2 3/4" Chambers | Vintage Pachmayr Leather-Bound Hard Case | Serial No. 457

OVERVIEW

Offered here is a remarkably attractive W.R. Leeson 20-gauge side-by-side hammer gun, serial number 457, dating to approximately 1890 and therefore representing a genuine pre-1898 English sporting gun.

William Richard Leeson established his gunmaking business in Ashford, Kent, during the late 1870s. Period records confirm that he marked his guns “W.R. Leeson, Ashford, Kent” on the barrels and “W.R. Leeson” on the lockplates, and that his guns were individually numbered. By approximately 1890, Leeson had been appointed Rifle Maker to H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, while the firm later became particularly well known for its small-bore sporting guns.

Serial number 457 falls among the early surviving Leeson guns from the firm's hammer-gun era. Published records of surviving Leesons include nearby serial numbers such as 429, documented as a back-action sidelock hammer gun, and 488, a semi-hammerless example, further supporting the early period attributed to this gun.

This example is particularly appealing in 20 gauge, built with external rebounding hammers, double triggers, a traditional Jones rotary underlever, beautifully figured and checkered walnut, and extensive fine scroll engraving across the action, lockplates, hammers, lever, tangs, and furniture.

The gun is fitted with 27" blued steel barrels and is accompanied by later British proof marks indicating it subsequently passed Birmingham Nitro Proof. Visible markings include 2 3/4" chambers, Birmingham BNP marks and 3 1/4 TONS PER SQUARE INCH notation, the latter style belonging to the post-1954 British Rules of Proof.

Completing the package is a handsome Pachmayr leather-bound fitted hard case, giving this early English sporting gun an especially attractive presentation.

SPECIFICATIONS & HIGHLIGHTS

• Manufacturer: W.R. Leeson
• Maker's Location: Ashford, Kent, England
• Serial Number: 457
• Approximate Manufacture: Circa 1890
• Classification: Pre-1898
• Gauge: 20 Gauge
• Configuration: Side-by-Side Hammer Gun
• Action: Traditional Jones Rotary Underlever
• Hammers: External Rebounding Hammers
• Triggers: Double Triggers
• Barrel Length: 27"
• Barrels: Blued Steel
• Chambers: 2 3/4"
• Proof: Later Birmingham Nitro Proof
• Visible Proof Markings: Please see photos
• Stock: Figured English Walnut
• Grip: Straight English Grip
• Checkering: Fine Hand Checkering
• Butt: Traditional Heel-and-Toe Metal Plates with Checkered Wood Center
• Engraving: Extensive Fine Scroll Engraving
• Case: Pachmayr Leather-Bound Fitted Hard Case

Early W.R. Leeson Small-Bore Sporting Gun

The 20-gauge configuration is especially appropriate to Leeson's legacy. Although this example predates the firm's later advertising campaigns, Leeson became an enthusiastic proponent of small-bore sporting guns and was advertising specialized 20-bores by the early 1900s. Period advertisements later described the firm as “Specialists in Small-bore Guns.”

The combination of an early serial number, small-bore configuration, classic Jones underlever action, extensive engraving and high-quality walnut makes this a particularly interesting surviving example from the early years of the W.R. Leeson firm.

CONDITION

This shotgun remains in excellent overall condition for its age and presents exceptionally well for a sporting gun dating to the late 19th century.

The figured walnut retains attractive color and grain with well-defined checkering. The engraved action and furniture show a pleasing aged finish while retaining strong engraving detail. The blued steel barrels appear to have been professionally re-blued at some point in its life and remain attractive with expected age-related handling and finish wear.

The gun has later Birmingham Nitro Proof markings, indicating that it was subsequently submitted for proof after its original manufacture. As with any antique sporting gun, current barrel dimensions and suitability for a particular load should be independently verified before firing.

The included Pachmayr leather-bound fitted hard case shows normal age and handling while providing an excellent presentation for the gun.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description.

COMPLIANCE & SHIPPING

FREE SHIPPING – U.S. shipping only where lawful. NO FFL required for Pre-1898 Firearms.