William Evans “From Purdey’s” 12 Gauge Hammer SxS – Circa 1885 (Pre-1898)

William Evans “From Purdey’s” 12 Gauge Hammer SxS – Circa 1885

30" Sleeved Nitro-Proof Barrels | Engraved Sidelock Hammer Gun | Straight-Grip Walnut | William Evans Oak & Leather Case | Serial No. 1408

OVERVIEW

Offered here is a beautifully preserved William Evans 12 Gauge side-by-side hammer shotgun, serial number 1408, dating to approximately 1885 based on surviving William Evans serial records.

This is a particularly early example from the celebrated London maker. William Evans established his own firm in 1883 after working for both James Purdey & Sons and Holland & Holland, and his earliest guns prominently carried the desirable “W. Evans – From Purdey’s” marking seen on this example.

Built in the classic English sporting tradition, this shotgun features external hammers, sidelock actions, double triggers, a top lever, straight-grip walnut stock, splinter forearm, and extensive traditional engraving with game scenes and fine scrollwork.

The original barrels were replaced at some point in the gun's history with a professionally sleeved 30-inch barrel set. The flats are clearly marked “SLEEVED” and bear later British nitro proof markings, including 2 3/4" chambers, .729" bore markings, and 3 1/4 tons proof.

The shotgun is housed in a handsome William Evans oak-and-leather fitted case bearing the firm's 63 Pall Mall, St. James's, London trade label. Because William Evans did not occupy the 63 Pall Mall address until later, the case is best regarded as a period William Evans case acquired subsequent to the shotgun's original manufacture rather than its original 1885 case.

As an approximately 1885-manufactured firearm, this shotgun qualifies as an antique firearm under U.S. federal law.

SPECIFICATIONS & HIGHLIGHTS

• Manufacturer: William Evans
• Marking: W. Evans – From Purdey's
• Serial Number: 1408
• Approximate Manufacture: Circa 1885
• Gauge: 12 Gauge
• Action: Side-by-Side Hammer Gun
• Locks: Sidelock
• Opening System: Top Lever
• Triggers: Double
• Barrel Length: 30"
• Barrels: Sleeved Steel Barrels
• Chamber Length: 2 3/4"
• Proof: Later British Nitro Proof
• Bore Marking:.729"
• Proof Pressure Marking: 3 1/4 Tons
• Stock: Figured Straight-Grip Walnut
• Forearm: Splinter Style
• Engraving: Extensive Scroll and Game-Scene Engraving
• Configuration: Traditional English Game Gun
• Includes: William Evans Oak-and-Leather Fitted Case
• Case Label: 63 Pall Mall, St. James's, London
• Federal Classification: Pre-1898 Antique Firearm

The combination of the early “From Purdey’s” marking, low serial number, external-hammer configuration, traditional London engraving, later nitro-proofed sleeved barrels, and genuine William Evans fitted case makes this a particularly interesting example from the early years of the firm.

CONDITION

Overall excellent condition for its age, especially considering the shotgun is approximately 140 years old.

The walnut remains attractive with strong figure and well-defined checkering. Metal surfaces show age-appropriate handling wear, patina, and scattered marks consistent with use and careful preservation over many decades.

The barrels have been professionally sleeved and subsequently nitro proofed. A visible period repair is present at the forward end of the splinter forearm.

The accompanying William Evans oak-and-leather case remains sturdy and serviceable but shows considerable exterior and interior wear consistent with age and use.

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

COMPLIANCE & SHIPPING

FREE SHIPPING – U.S. shipping only where lawful.

This firearm was manufactured prior to 1898 and is classified as an antique firearm under U.S. federal law; therefore, a Federal Firearms License (FFL) is not required for transfer under federal law.

It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure this firearm is legal to own and receive in their state and locality before purchase. State and local laws may impose additional requirements or restrictions on antique firearms.