H&H Royal Paradox, rebarrled

laabs

May 24, 2003 16:25

I've run into an H&H Royal, 2.5" chamber, Paradox serial # gun that's got Birmingham proofs and smoothbore barrels (I think it's been rebarreled). Ser No. 11742. No finish on the action, but engraving is still clear. It has a straight hand stock. Action body is funny shaped (like the early Climax action), and it's a sidelever opener. It's cased. Any range on what it's worth? Blue book covers Royals, but does that apply? What condition code if barrels and stock were changed? I suppose I should avoid it, but it's really neat.

Thanks,

Steve

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  AdamsQuailHunter

  May 28, 2003 18:20

  Hello "labbs" <Steve>[:)]
  
  First, I would like to welcome you to the Forums. We hope that you will join us from time to time as your busy schedule permits.
  
  I let this post "ferment" for several days in hopes that someone older than I am, more experienced with Paradox guns, or certainly more recent experience than I have would answer your post. Apparently none of the above conditions were met, so I guess I am elected.
  
  I haven't seen a Paradox gun in probably 45 years, but I will do the best with it that failing memory will allow. Paradox guns were made mostly by the British and were more popular in India than Africa, but saw considerable service in both places during the 1870's - 1890's. They never caught on in America - although President Grover Cleveland had an American made one (unfortunately memory fails as to who made it).
  
  If the case is the original H&H case and the case has places for two barrel sets, then it had both the Paradox barrels and a set of smooth bore barrels. The Paradox barrel set probably got relegated to a closet under the stairs or one next to the fireplace. No point in lugging around a set of barrels that you are not going to use. They are most likely long since lost or discarded by the succession of house owners.
  
  If the case is the original H&H case and has only a place for one barrel set, then this is the original barrels, but they have had probably one of two things done to them. Paradox barrels generally had Metford rifling anywhere from the last 3 to 6 inches of the barrels - with the bottom of the grooves being "bore" diameter. If the barrels are several inches shorter than the fitted case, then the barrels were cut off just behind the Metford rifling. If the barrels fill the fitted case, then they were bored out.
  
  As to value - especially if the barrels were altered - I haven't got a clue.
  
  Best Regards[:)]
  I am Steve also.

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  laabs

  May 28, 2003 19:51

  Steve,
  
  Thanks an awful lot for all the information. It's a gun for sale that's really probably out of my reach. It's awfully neat, though, and I've learned a lot reading about it, and from your post.
  
  Once I found out the serial number was registered for Paradox guns, that really got me interested. The case was only set up for 1 set of barrels, and they were smooth bored, but had M & IM chokes. Also, the Birmingham (instead of London) proof marks seemed odd.
  
  I was afraid nobody had an interest, as it's pretty specific. Thanks for your informative post.
  
  I've been a silent reader on the site for a long time, but finally decided to register and post. Seems like the board covers a broad range of firearms, which I also like.
  
  Thanks for the welcome.
  
  Steve

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