Charles Hellis Premier 12 bore.

A Charles Hellis & Sons Premier 12 bore that was built on a small frame; however, it is a 2 ½” gun that weighs in at a few grouse feathers over 6 pounds. It is 1 of a pair and is all original with the exception of the early stock extension that was very well executed bringing the stock to modern dimensions. The stock is classic French walnut, quarter-sawn with some fiddleback and great grainflow and is stocked to the beaded fences. Complete coverage of very small archetypal English scroll engraving, a rolled trigger bow, intercepting sears, ejectors and a list of other fine options demonstrate this as a superlative example of a true London sidelock built at the height of the English gunmaking art. The barrels are 26” which C. Hellis seemed to prefer on his guns much the same as Churchill. Irrespective of the barrel length this little gun is very well balanced, lightning fast and extremely lethal on anything taking to the artificial safety of flight.

Completed in 1942 at 119 Edgware Road, Hyde Park, London, W.