The last gun ever made by the renowned gunsmiths John Wilkes will be offered for sale in London next month.
The rare weapon will be offered as part of Gavin Gardner Ltd.’s sale of Modern & Vintage Sporting Guns & Rifles, which takes place at Sotheby’s on Wednesday April 13.
“Wilkes were the last of the family owned jobbing London gunmakers and could trace its origins back to 1820,” said auction specialist Gavin Gardner.
“The brothers, Tom and John were fifth generation gunmakers, and were among the great characters in the London trade. The gun bears all of the typical Wilkes hallmarks of quality, style and finish, remains unused and is sold following the death of both Wilkes brothers.”
The Game Scene engraved 12-bore single trigger sidelock ejector gun was finished in 1992, and features 28-inch chopper lump barrels with 2 3/4-inch chambers, and half and full choke boring.
Having been completed, the gun was displayed at the company’s premises until 2003 and remains in new and unfired condition. It will now be offered at auction for the first time with an estimate of £24,000-£28,000.
Also amongst the top lots will be a pair of guns by Holland & Holland: a gamescene engraved 12-bore Royal De Luxe model self-opening sidelock ejector gun with 27-inch barrels, circa 1976, estimated at £16,000-£20,000, and a 12-bore ‘Royal’ model self-opening sidelock ejector gun, built in 1960 and valued at £10,000-£15,000.
Further highlights from the sale include a rare 13mm Mauser Tankgewhr anti-tank rifle, the world’s first anti-tank rifle dating to 1918, estimated at $2,500-$3,500; and an equally rare 12-bore hammer gun by Boss & Co, built in 1871 and also estimated at £2,500-£3,500.
