E Roberts. Maker. 5 Steelhouse Lane,
Birmingham
16 bore Back action Hammergun
no. 1706
Year of production: pre-1896
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Heritage
Guns' Comment
This gun represents a fine condition
example of the elegant smallbore sporting hammerguns that were
the vogue in the last quarter of the 19th Century. There is some
original colour hardening still visible on the locks and this
coupled with the sensitive restoration makes it a very pretty
and highly 'shootable' gun for either game or clays. This gun's
light weight might make it particularly suitable for upland hunting
where weight may be a significant factor. Furthermore, the relatively
high comb measurements may make it very suitable for those with
high cheek bones or for lady shots.
WE REGRET THAT
THIS GUN IS NOW SOLD. IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR A SIMILAR GUN,
PLEASE CONTACT US.
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The action is of traditional
design and features:
Double triggers; Back action locks; Rebounding, low level hammers; Sprung
strikers;
Top lever opening; 'Purdey Bolt' ; Greener patent top extension and
lever work;
Snap-on forend to the Hackett patent.
Gun weight 5lb 9 ½ oz Engraving style Fine scroll
with Game scenes on the lock plates.
Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 3 ½
lbs Rear trigger 3 ½ lb
The fine Damascus barrels are 28" in length, chambered for
2 ¾" (70mm) cartridges and are of brazed 'dovetail' lump
construction with soft soldered ribs. The internal barrel surfaces are
clean and free of rust or pitting. Top rib is slightly raised and concave
with a smooth finish.
Birmingham reproof for 70mm nitro powder cartridges in 2009.
Approximate barrel measurements
at date of publication:
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Nominal Proof Size
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Bore Diameter 9" from Breech
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Minimum Wall Thickness
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Choke Constriction
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Right Barrel |
16.8mm (0.661")
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0.664+"
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0.028"
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0.005" (Skeet)
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Left Barrel |
17.0mm (0.669")
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0.671+"
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0.024"
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0.022" (Mod)
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Straight Hand Stock and Splinter Forend
are crafted from well-figured walnut and features
a vacant, white metal oval and a ¼" horn butt plate retained
with engraved screws. The snap-on forend carries an engraved metal tip.
The stock has an almost neutral cast, very slightly cast-off for a right-handed
shot.
The 22 (approx) lines per inch chequering has been cut to a normal
back lock design.
The stock is finished with a traditional linseed oil based preparation.
This finish uses no grain fillers to achieve its deep, smooth lustre
but up to 30 coats of hand rubbed oil.
Approximate stock
measurements at date of publication:
Pull to Heel
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Pull to Bump
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Pull to Centre
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Pull to Toe
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14 1/4"
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14 7/16"
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14 5/16"
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14 3/4"
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Drop at Comb
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Drop at Face
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Drop at Heel
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1 5/16"
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1 1/2"
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1 7/8 "
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Cast at Comb
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Cast at Heel
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1/16" approx.
Cast-on
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1/16" approx. Cast-off
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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 rebounding lock patent no. 367 of 1867,
'Purdey Bolt' patent no. 1104 of 1863,
Greener's lever work and cross bolt top extension patent no. 3090
of 1874,
Hackett's forend fastener patent no. 964 of 1878.