John Blanch & Son 20 Ga – LONDON, 2 ¾” PROOF, 5lbs. 6oz.

What a great gun we have here, just in time for the upcoming upland bird season.  John Blanch started his own shop in 1809…214 years ago and still operating!  Having apprenticed under the famous John Manton and Jackson Mortimer, Blanch became a “MASTER GUNMAKER” in his own right in 1834, a very prestigious appointment then and now.  John’s son eventually joined the business, hence the name on this gun, Blanch and Son, which was built around the turn of the 20^th century at the 29 Gracechurch St., London premises which had been occupied by Blanch since 1826…what a history!  This fine boxlock 20-bore, sn6055 built about 1900, weighs in at 5lbs. 6oz. and balances perfectly on the hinge pin.  There are many British boxlocks for sale on the internet, but the Blanch & Son is a gun built by a maker that executed the engraving, metalwork, and woodwork with more finesse than most of the average British makers.  London guns always seem to be more gracefully appointed than the Birmingham guns.  Look closely at the photos and you will see the epitome of fine English scroll engraving, deeply cut, shaded backgrounds, elaborate borders, still sharp and clear after 123 years of existence.  The wood is highly figured, with a fine English comb, drop points, checkered and carved side panels, excellent checkering cut at a fine 26 lines per inch.  You can see the specifications in the tables below, but the stock dimensions are modern, and the Purdey style leather pad is the most attractive and practical termination of the buttstock, providing the perfect texture that slips to the shoulder easily and stays put under recoil.  The most desirable 28” barrels are finely struck with tight ribs, no dents, Birmingham proofed for 2 ¾” modern ammo (it is near impossible to find 2 ½” ammo in the USA right now, so modern proofs are super important), with perfect mirror shiny bores.  The barrels are tight on hinge and breech face like a new gun, with the top lever right of center.  The mechanics are excellent, with crisp triggers and excellent screws.  We stripped the action to the smallest parts, Ultrasonic cleaned and scrubbed all parts to shiny metal, inspected all for integrity and function, lubricated and reassembled, providing a VFI CERTIFIED GUN, a $325 service in our shop.  VFI CERTIFIED GUNS have a 90-day mechanical warranty providing confidence you are buying a fine shotgun that will provide years of service in the field. This gun is a true bargain at the offered price, as it has everything going for it, ie. proofed for 2 ¾” shells, ultralight weight, balanced perfectly, great stock dimensions, highly figured wood, exceptional engraving, choked for upland hunting behind dogs, and from a London maker of high regard.  The gun is supplied in a fitted case with accessories. Don’t hesitate on this one!  Thanks for looking.