A. Maloch, Stirling, Scotland
12 bore Rotary Underlever Hammergun
No 12244 (on barrel loop)
Year of production: pre-1887

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Heritage Guns' Comment

This gun is a lovely example of the famous Jones' Rotary Underlever that was so commonly used on all types of break action guns right up until the early 20th Century.
However internally this gun is anything but common. The locks, supplied by Stanton, are built on his extremely rare second rebounding patent which is a design specific to rebounding conversions where the normal rebounding effect of the mainsprings passive arm cannot be used. The gun also features 'loaded indicators', very similar in appearance to the 'cocking indicators' of the famous Dickson Round-actions. These conform to the 1865 patent by WM Scott and so it is reasonable to assume that the action was supplied to Maloch by Scott. The action and locks display a substantial amount of original hardening colour which sets off the beautifully executed bold foliate engraving and fine wood.
All the above, coupled with excellent barrel and stock dimensions, makes her a mechanically fascinating, very pretty and safe gun for either game or clays.

WE REGRET THAT THIS GUN IS NOW SOLD. IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR A SIMILAR GUN, PLEASE CONTACT US.

The action is of traditional design and features:
Considerable original hardening colour;
Double triggers;
Percussion fences;
Loaded indicators;
Sprung strikers;
Back action rebounding locks;
High, facetted, dolphin hammers;
Jones Rotary Underlever;
Long top tang;
Cross bolt or Wedge forend fastener.
Engraving style Bold Foliate Scroll; Signed locks.
Gun weight 6lb 15oz
Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 3 1/2 lbs Rear trigger 4 lb
The fine damascus barrels are 30" in length, chambered for 2 ¾" (70mm) cartridges and are of brazed 'dovetail' lump construction with soft soldered ribs. There are a few small vestigial pits and some surface marks in the bores..
Top rib is of smooth, concave game type.
Birmingham reproof for 70mm nitro powder cartridges in 2015.

Approximate barrel measurements at date of publication:

 
Nominal Proof Size
Bore Diameter 9" from Breech
Minimum Wall Thickness
Choke Constriction
Right Barrel
18.5mm (0.728")
0.732+"
0.025"

0.004" (Skeet)
Left Barrel
18.6mm (0.732")
0.736"
0.025"

0.010" (IC)

The Straight-hand Grip Stock and Splinter Forend (thought to be originals) are crafted from well figured walnut. The stock features heel & toe plates, secured with engraved screws and is lightly cast-off for a right-handed shot. There are two near invisible bruise repairs to the upper horns. The forend features a horn tip which appears to be an antique replacement for a previous steel tip. There are four medium sized inlays to repair edge damage and a circular inlay to replace the forend securing pin.
Well Figured Walnut

The 16 lines per inch chequering has been refreshed to its original design.
The stock is finished with a traditional linseed oil based preparation as used on best guns by one of the top English makers. This finish uses no grain fillers to achieve its deep, smooth lustre, only many hours of alternate build and flatting off of the surface.

Approximate stock measurements at date of publication:

Pull to Heel
Pull to Bump
Pull to Centre
Pull to Toe
14 3/8"
14 5/8"
14 1/2"
14 7/8"
Drop at Comb
Drop at Face
Drop at Heel
1 5/8"
1 11/16"
2"
Cast-off at Comb
Cast-off at Heel
Negligible
1/8" approx

For the purposes of these measurements, 'Drop at Face' is the 'drop' measurement taken on a line perpendicular to the
line joining the trigger and centre of the butt at approximately 8" from the trigger (front trigger on a double trigger gun).

Patents Exhibited include:
Stanton's 2nd rebounding lock patent no. 3774 of 1869;
Jones rotary underlever patent no. 2040 of 1859;
Scott's Loaded Indicator patent no 2752 of 1865