Lot 1449 Detail
10 Gauge John Hall Hammer Underlever Double Barrel Shotgun with Case.
No visible number. 10 gauge. 30-inch twist barrels. Game rib marked: John Hall Makers
to Her Majesties Honble Board of Ordinance, Pall Mall, London. Casehardened action with
Jones' patent side-swing underlever. Back-action non-rebounding locks. Sculpted fences.
Action, locks and furniture 60 - 70% engraved with fine foliate scroll. High hammers. Long
top tang. Finely checkered straight grip stock of well-figured walnut. Vacant oval. Later
checkered composition buttplate. Finely checkered wedge-fastened splinter fore-end with
sculpted horn tip. Leather trunkcase with single brass lock. Lid marked: E. B. Hale 68th
Durham Light Infantry. Red baize interior.
Condition: Fine. Barrels show 95% browning with a few slight pits.
Bright bores. Action and locks show 85-90% strong case colors. Triggerguard shows 50-60%
case colors with silver patina on tang. Right hammer ear has been replaced. Stock shows
light nicks and scratches and one deep nick. Well defined checkering. Fore-end shows
slight scuffing to small area of checkering. Case in fair condition with losses to
interior with staining and wear. Exterior shows extensive marks and scuffing, with losses
on lid. Extensive gouging on underside. Handle is loose and shows losses. Maker's label
has been cut out.
Data: Barrel Dimensions: Bore: 0.755/0.755-inches. Chokes: 0.0/0.0-inches (Cylinder).
Chambers: 2 5/8-inches. Proof: Birmingham, Black Powder, 12, 12. (NOTE: Barrels are out of
proof due to oversized chambers and bores.) Minimum Wall Thickness: 0.038-inches. Stock
Dimensions: Pull: 14 3/8-inches. Drop at comb: 1 7/8-inches. Drop at heel: 3 1/4-inches.
Cast: None. Weight: 8 pounds. Note: The gun apparently originally was a heavy barreled 12
gauge that has been converted to a tight bored 10 gauge. Gun is deemed unsafe to fire
until reproved.
Estimate: $700 - $1000
