Wilkes, John 12 gauge Best Boxlock Ejector

Description

John Wilkes is one of the lesser known Best quality London gunsmiths.
Operating under his own name from 1894 he had previously seen trade with his Uncle, Joseph Wilkes of Birmingham, Hodges of London and J.D Dougall from their London premises up until the death of James Dougall in 1896.



This example is No.2 of a pair

12 Bore Boxlock Ejector
Bright Anson and Deeley action with fine scroll and Acanthus engraving
Barrels at 26"
Choked approximately 1/4 and 1/2
Concave game rib with the engraving "John Wilkes - HRH Prince of Wales - 1 Lower James St, Picadilly Circus, London
This address dates the gun between 1896 and 1913.

Tiger stripe and finely figured walnut straight hand stock with teardrop side panels and vacant silver oval.
Length of Pull 14" with 3/4 inch ebony butt plate
Cast 1/4"
Drop at Comb 1" 1/4
Drop at Heel 2"

Splinter Forend with Anson release

A beautiful example of a premier English Gunmaker from the late 1800's to early 1900's

Choked sensibly this gun will happily take standard performance steel if you must
Otherwise pride yourself in having acquired a very reasonable piece of history