vintage Archives - Watson Bros

January 8, 2023 12 Bore, ALL Pre Owned, Double Trigger, Hammergun

C. Boswell 12 Live pigeon.

Charles Boswell 12 Bore original Live pigeon gun Ejector.

This is the earliest example of a pigeon gun we have seen with all the modern attributes that we come to expect. Fortunately the gun was in great shape when it arrived. The Damascus barrels are very sound and clean with a minimum wall of Right .027" Left .031” The chokes are both 1/2. The top rib is a 7/16” flat filecut (typical pigeon). Nitro proofed 2 3/4” 18.7 Bores. The small scroll engraved action has a third grip and sideclips as you would expect. The 14 3/4” pistolgrip stock is in very good condition with heel and toe pieces and pistol cap. The forend is a beautiful early beavertail.
As we loved the gun so much we decided to convert to ejector , the preferable non self cocking type to keep the romance of recocking the hammers . The gun weight is 8lb.

The work to be completed is in the finishing, regulate the ejectors , rebrown barrels and colour case harden the action. completion can be expected in 6 to 9 months.

The case it came in was not correct and we have cased it in an original Charles Boswell hammer gun case from the period .

All for the sum of £32,000

12 Bore, ALL Pre Owned, Side by Side, Uncategorized

Watson Bros Pair 12 bore

Watson Bros Boxlock Ejectors 7396/7

Built in 1909, these best deluxe lightweight Boxlock ejectors are so typical of a style that befits the period. Made with 30" barrels choked 1/4 and 1/2. Chambered to 2 3/4" with a minimum wall thickness of .020". The 14 1/2" stocks are complemented with 5/8" buffalo horn extensions done to suit the period with chequered butt ends and engraved pins.Cast off to 3/8" with a Gun weight of 6lb 8oz.

Stock dimensions are 14 1/2” length with 5/8” horn Bend 1 9/16” 2 1/32” Cast off 3/8”

Bore sizes are 1 Left .735” Right .732” 2 Left .736” Right .734” min wall 1 .021” 2 .020”

Adorned with the finest small scroll with Oak leaf carved fences and Scallop back actions, these guns come in their original case which has been sympathetically restored.

All for the sum of £7950.

September 14, 2022 .410", ALL Pre Owned, Double Trigger, Pistol Grip

Watson bros .410″ Ejector

August 17, 2022 ALL Pre Owned

1940’s Pigeon Gun

June 23, 2022 ALL Pre Owned, Uncategorized

Gun History

Watson Bros Gun History

Watson Bros was founded by Thomas Watson in 1875, taking over the premises of Durs Egg. In 1885 Thomas Senior handed over the firm to his two sons - Arthur and Thomas. The Watson Bros records go back to 1875 from our original premises in Pall Mall all the way through to Towerbridge Road where we manufacture and restore guns today.

Should you purchase the history of your gun:

Please send us an enquiry through our contact form or email us at admin@watsonbrosgunmakers.com and include the gun serial number, the name of the gun as well as any other relevant information.
Please note that the name of the gun should be either Thomas Watson or Watson Bros -any other name is not associated with ourselves and we do not hold any records.

We will respond once our research is completed, usually within two weeks.

June 5, 2022 12 Bore, 30" Barrels, ALL Pre Owned, Double Trigger, Hammergun, Side by Side

Boss & co 12 Hammergun

Boss & co 12 Sidelever Hammergun. £19,950

Made in 1883 this original rare Boss side lever hammergun in the longterm ownership of W.H.Tucker who fought in the First World War (docs available) and whose name is embossed on the case.

serial number 3970 with 30″ Damascus brls, 2 1/2″ chambers outstanding bores of L .730″ with min wall .036″ R .731″ with min wall .033″ open chokes.

Gun weight 7lb 1/2oz

Perfectly executed profuse fine scroll

Looks to be original stock of 15 1/2″ with extension of 1/14″

in its original case embossed W.H.Tucker.

£19950

February 17, 2022 12 Bore, ALL Pre Owned, Double Trigger, Side by Side

Watson Bros 12 £8450.

October 20, 2020 12 Bore, Sold

Watson Bros 12 Bore

Watson Bros. 12 bore side by side deluxe

Gun 8004 Built in 1920 - Best side lock ejector - 30" barrels choked full and half with .733" bores. Very good wall thicknesses of minimum .027" and game rib.

This double trigger gun has a third grip, auto-safety and is profusely engraved by Harry Kell in his signature style. The gun has been restocked to 15" with a beautiful piece of wood that befits the period.

The gun weight is 6lb 10oz

Complimented with its beautiful original case, restored but keeping its original label. Complete with its original tools and accessories and for protection, a deluxe new canvas outer.