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Watson Bros. 28 gauge

tcorbitt
I have a Watson Bros. 28 gauge shotgun that was given to me by my Grandfather. He acquired the weapon in London in the mid 70's and was told that it was made for a Middle eastern dignitary circa 1939. The gun seems to be of the finest quality. I do not know what the weapon is worth or wear to have it accurately appraised. Can someone please offer an opinion. Thank you.

...I now have the weapon (CaptainKirk and Cody45) to give numbers and specifics. Also, I have pictures, but I do not know how to load them up here.
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  • tcorbitt
    I have a Watson Bros. 28 gauge shotgun that was given to me by my Grandfather. He acquired the weapon in London in the mid 70's and was told that it was made for a Middle eastern dignitary circa 1939. The gun seems to be of the finest quality. I do not know what the weapon is worth or wear to have it accurately appraised. Can someone please offer an opinion. Thank you.
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  • perry shooter
    HELLO GETTING A FAIR appraisel ON THIS TYPE OF FIREARM HAS SOME PITFALLS THE PEOPLE THAT WOULD HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE ARE ALSO THE ONES WHO WOULD WANT TO BUY AND THEY WILL TRY TO MAKE A GOOD DEAL FOR THEMSELF.TO GET A FAIR APPRAISEL MAKE SURE THE APPRAISEL IS FOR INSURANCE PURPOSE THIS WILL BE HIGHER THAN YOU CAN SELL IT TO A DEALER BUT WHAT IT WOULD COST TO REPLACE.
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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.com
    I have information on WATSON BROS., But need to know all the Marks and Proofs along with the EXACT WRITING of the Name WATSON and Address.....and where its located on the Barrels and Reciever....

    Captain Kirk, Tech Staff
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  • tcorbitt
    Thank you for your help and information. I am traveling to Dallas this weekend to retrieve the weapon from storage. I will send all information as well as pictures. Once again, thanks for the help. Incindentally, the shotgun is in the original case with oil can and indentifying markings.
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  • perry shooter
    Hello CAPTKIRK this young man as well as some others in the past few weeks have received some mighty nice firearms I wonder if there is anybody out there who would want to adopt 2 old #$%# like me and you. quote:"praise the hardball gun"

    YEAH...SOME NICE IRON FOR SURE....BUT YOU'LL HAVE TO TAKE MY SHARE OF THE BOOTY..I'VE GOTTON RID OF EVERYTHING BUT HOUSE PROTECTION...SOLD THE ARIZONA HOUSE AND SHOP AND NOW RESIDE IN A 37.5' TOY HAULER FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILER...JUST MOMMA AND ME AND REGGIE MY PET COCKROACH WHO RAN OFF TO NEW MEXICO TO MARRYUP TO 'HE DOG's ARAB BELLY DANCER TYPE CUCURACHA...SEEMS SHE TOOK REGGIE FOR EVERYHING HE HAD AND PITCHED HIS BUTT OUT THE DOOR WITH NOTHING BUT A FINE TOOTH COMB...HE LIMPED HOME A SADDER BUT WISER BUG.......!
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  • cody45
    the first question that a shotgun expert would ask is what type of lock system? is it a side lock or a box lock and then we can go from there. Another important question is are the barrels sleeved or original and what condition. Is it an ejector gun or non ejector. ?That gets us started in determining value.
    Watson bros guns were mid grade London guns certainly not in the category of Purdey, Churchill, or even Westley Richards . You will have one thing in your favor if this gun is built on a small frame and not a 20 ga frame. If I hear from you I can go on and on about London Guns, Im a fanatic for the higher grades in small guages.
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  • tcorbitt
    I do not know most of your terminology. Shotgun is double barreled (with two triggers), seems to be on a smaller frame than most shotguns (shorter) and is in fine original condition (not sure what you mean of re-sleeving vs. not). I do not know how to tell one lock system from another.
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  • rufe-snow
    quote:Originally posted by tcorbitt
    I do not know most of your terminology. Shotgun is double barreled (with two triggers), seems to be on a smaller frame than most shotguns (shorter) and is in fine original condition (not sure what you mean of re-sleeving vs. not). I do not know how to tell one lock system from another.


    Post your pictures to the shotgun forums on these sites. Many of the gentlemen who frequent these boards are very knowledgeable about English & European Doubles. They will give you the skinny on what you have and it's value.

    www.gunshop.com

    www.shotgunworld.com

    luger_4.jpg
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  • tcorbitt
    I found some pictures (link below) of a Watson Brothers 28 that looks "very" similar to mine.

    http://www.antiquesandguns.com/watson1.html
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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.com
    The WATSON name has beed tied to the Gun making Business for many years. To cut to the chase....Watson, Thomas W. of London.....
    The firm of Thomas Watson was bought by Grant & Lang in 1935. The last of the Watsons, Arthur joined Grant and Lang then, subsequently became a director. The firm of Watson was founded by Thomas W Watson in 1875 when he acquired the firm of Durs Egg, 4 Pall Mall. He married the daughter of Durs Egg. Watson was the Son in Law of the famous Birmingham gunmaker William Tranter...In 1855 the firm became Watson Brothers, moving to Old Bond Street in 1895. During their stay at this address, a Trade Label tells us that they held an appointment to H.I.M.{HIS IMPERIAL MAGISTY} The Sultan of Turkey...
    They were trading from Pall Mall in 1930 where they remained until they were bought by Grant & Lang. The firm Manufactured boys and ladies guns, also large Bore guns...

    Pall Mall, No 4 {Durs Egg, 4 Collande}....1875

    Watson Bros. 1885

    29 Old Bond Street........................1895

    13a Pall Mall.............................1930

    7 Bury Street, Bought by Grant & Lang.....1935
    ( 7 Bury Street was Grant's premises)

    If your Gun looks as Good as the Photos tendered...You have a real Beautiful Gun and Well above My ability to place a Value Upon..! You're talking some serious Money and this gun needs to be taken to a Known Collector for a Hands on Appraisal.....Sorry...but thats all I can do for you at this juncture.....


    Captain Kirk, Tech Staff
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  • tcorbitt
    Any idea of known collectors or appraisers in the Austin area? Possibly Dallas?

    Thank you.
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  • cody45
    I would be interested in some photos of the actual gun when you get home. There are so many variables involved that you MUST get the honest no-nonsense appraisal from someone who is not trying to buy it. You might have a real jewell since practically every gun in the London trade was made to special order specs. Some relevent terms you might hear are castoff, caston, choke, sleeved, prince of wales, legnth of pull, chopper lumps, third bite, and some more. If you send photos and weigh the piece I can steer you in the right direction.
    Herschell Chaddick in Tyrell Texas has been in the business of double guns for years and I have never heard any negatives. His business is in Tyrell Texas where ever that may be.
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