WILLIAM FORD MATCHED PAIR 20 GA – 1911, 98% CASE COLOR, CASED

A properly matched pair of lightweight English 20-bores offers something few sporting guns can duplicate. Gun No. 1 and Gun No. 2 share the same dimensions, handling characteristics, engraving, and beautifully figured walnut, allowing the shooter to move from one gun to the other without adjustment. Built by William Ford of Birmingham in 1911, serial numbers 9989 and 9990 remain together in their maker’s case and survive in extraordinary factory original condition.

Both actions retain nearly all of their vivid original case color. Gun No. 1 retains approximately 98% coverage, while Gun No. 2 retains approximately 97%, with only minor fading at the typical handling points of the actions. The color remains strong across the locks, frames, fences, and action flats, defining the crisp ornamental scroll engraving and sculpted contours of these finely made guns. Polished accents, nitre-blued pins, and the William Ford banners remain equally well preserved.

The quality of these sidelock ejectors becomes more apparent the longer they are examined. The frames are finely sculpted, with beautifully shaped fences and unusually intricate fitting around the trigger plates. These details required considerable additional handwork and give the pair genuine Best-quality character rather than decoration applied to an otherwise ordinary action. A concealed third bite between the ejectors adds strength to the lockup while preserving the clean appearance of the standing breeches.

The stocks are equally impressive. Both guns are fitted with highly figured English walnut, straight-hand grips, splinter forends, carved teardrops, checkered butts, and exceptionally fine double-bordered point-pattern checkering. Each gun has a 14 3/4-inch length of pull, matching drops and cast, and weighs just over 6 pounds. Combined with their 28-inch barrels, the guns have the lively handling expected of a fine English 20 gauge.

Both actions remain tight, the ejectors are timed, and the bores are mirror bright. The barrels retain strong factory blue and show excellent minimum wall thicknesses. Both guns remain in proof with 2 3/4-inch chambers for 1-ounce loads.

The choke arrangements give the pair a useful practical distinction. Gun No. 1 is choked Modified and Extra Full, while Gun No. 2 is Modified and Improved Modified. As presently configured, they are particularly well suited to preserve shooting, late-season pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, prairie birds, and other situations where longer shots may be expected. The chokes can also be professionally opened by our gunsmithing department to suit the buyer’s intended use, please call to discuss.

A consecutive-numbered matched pair of sidelock ejector 20-bores is uncommon in any condition. Finding one with matching dimensions, striking walnut, factory  original case-color, excellent mechanics is exceptional. These guns offer genuine collector-level originality while retaining the weight, balance, strength, and practical dimensions to be enjoyed together in the field. This matched pair comes with a leather-covered case with accessories.