Thomas Bland Sidelock Double Barrel 12 Gauge Shotgun — Resleeved

Thomas Bland Sidelock side-by-side hammerless shotgun, 12 gauge.  Has 2-1/2″ chambers. The 26″ barrels are choked Imp Cyl/Imp Mod. Double trigger with extractor.  Stock specifications: LOP 14-1/2″. DAC 1-3/8″, DAH 2-1/2″. In excellent overall condition as refreshed with English-sleeved barrels and reproofed in London. These are modern fluid steel barrels. Just some minor handling and field scratches and very small wood dings.  (See the many detailed photos.)  Stock has had checkering cleaned, with a nicely-checkered walnut 7/8″ extension added at the time of refurbishment to give it a LOP of 14-1/2″. (See photos.) The stock has some beautiful grain. Both sideplates are marked: “T. BLAND & SONS”. Manufactured in 1895. Mechanically excellent — the action has a nice tight lock-up. The bores are both bright and shiny. Has some nice original factory border engraving.  (See photos.) Since the barrels were sleeved and reproofed, it is safe to shoot with modern 2-1/2″ smokeless shotshells, but it will not chamber 2-3/4″ shells. A bit of Bland company history:  The Thomas Bland Company was founded in 1872. They were known as one of England’s high-end gunmakers. “In 1973, Bland moved to 21-22 New Row, St. Martin’s Lane, London and expanded into sporting goods to preserve the business. Unfortunately, high rents and lowered demand wrote the final chapter in London and Thomas Bland & Sons closed on January 31st, 1988.” As a pre-1899 antique, no FFL is required to purchase this Thomas Bland shotgun. All-in-all, this is an elegant lightweight English double in very fine condition! (NKLG-142)