Description:
Charles Hellis 12 Bore Shotgun
3" MAGNUM, LONDON PROOF 1981, WOW!
General Specs: Charles Hellis, Year 1926, 12 Gauge, 7lbs 12oz, SxS
Serial Number: 3308
The gunmaking firm of Charles Hellis was founded in 1884 by Charles Edward Hellis at 21 Shrewsbury Road, Westbourne Park, London. In 1897 Charles Hellis moved to a more prestigious address at 119 Edgware Road, Hyde Park, London where this gun was produced. Edgware Road had been used by a number of gunmakers of note by this time. Mooer & Grey, Boss, and Beesley had occupied business premises there. Hellis guns gained favor with royalty and subsequently “Under Royal Patronage” appeared on their gun case trade labels. The King of Portugal purchased guns from the firm, and in 1926 Harold MacMillan ordered a pair of 12 bore No.1 sidelock ejectors with extra quality engraving plus spare barrels, paying £265 for them. He used this pair of sidelocks for the remainder of his life. His grandsons are still using the guns to this day. The Prince of Wales was also a customer. This particular gun, sn3308 made in 1926, is quite unusual as it would be considered a heavy waterfowler with 3” chambers and proofed in London in 1981 for 4 tons of pressure and 3” MAGNUM loads, remaining in proof today. Weighing 7 3/4lbs. and balanced perfectly 1/8” ahead of the hinge pin, this 7 pin sidelock gun with 30” IM/F choked barrels is made for the heavy loads used for waterfowling, or for the high volume shooting of live pigeons and competitive clay target shooting. The use of spreader loads at the sporting clays course would make this a widely versatile gun for any targets presented. As noted above, Charles Hellis was known for building fine sporting guns and this fine shotgun will not disappoint. The wood is beautifully figured English walnut with fine checkering and modern shooting dimensions (we can install a fine leather pad if you prefer it rather than the ebony extension). The gun likely left the gunmaker’s premises with decorative border engraving, and the sideplates were subsequently engraved with waterfowl game scenes by noted master engraver D.V. Hudson in 1987. The gun is in superb mechanical condition, with mirror bores, 99% London blue, 60% fading case color, perfect screws, tight lock-up, perfect wood-to-metal fit…a stunning London built gun. British 12 bore sidelocks with 3” chambers are rarely encountered, and this one is priced to sell. Cased in a period correct English trunk-style case. Please enjoy the photos and don’t let this one get away! Thanks for looking.
Barrels
Barrel Length: 30"*****
Chokes: .026/.041 IM/F*****
Bores: perfect mirror*****
Bore Diameter: .733 both*****
Wall Thickness: .032/.026*****
% Blue: 99%*****
Chambers: 3" Magnum *****
Ribs: tight*****
Sights: single*****
Action
Action: tight*****
Ejectors or Extractors: ejectors, strong, timed*****
Case Color: 80% *****
Screws: perfect*****
Engraving: fine ducks in flight; gorgeous border*****
Trigger Type: double, crisp*****
Trigger Guard Color: 97%*****
Stock
Type: 1/2 round/splinter forend; nicely figured English*****
LOP: 14 5/8"*****
LOP To End Of Wood: 13 1/2"*****
DAH: 2 1/8"*****
DAC: 1 9/16"*****
Cast: 1/8" off*****
Checkering Condition: excellent, 28 lines per inch*****
Butt Treatment: ebony extension*****
There are more photos upon request. We offer a 30 day mechanical warranty on this fine shotgun. Call us for full details. PLEASE SEE MY OTHER FINE VINTAGE FIREARMS. Just open one of my ads and click on the line that says “see all items from this seller” and a very nice list of fine sporting and collectible arms will appear. I have many more fine sxs shotguns not yet listed. Thanks for looking!
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Brand:
Charles Hellis
Model:
3308
Caliber:
12 Gauge
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted: Yes.
Shipping Notes: Payment Methods: Credit Card, Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer (Advertised price represents the 3% cash discount price. Actual price if paid by credit card is 3% higher cost)*****
Inspection Period / Return Policy: Three Days from the date the item was received.*****
Sales Tax: 6% Michigan Only*****
Shipping & Insurance: Ground $95.00 We ship internationally!*****
Item Condition: Used*****
Requires FFL?: Yes*****
LET ME SELL YOUR GUNS!!! As you can see, I do a thorough job, am nationally known, and have hundreds of existing customers looking for your gun! Federally licensed dealer of Classic American Doubles, i.e. Fox, Parker, Ithaca, L.C. Smith, Lefever. Guns must be shipped to licensed dealer. Layaways accepted. No returns on layaways. I BUY SHOTGUNS, COLLECTIONS OR ONE AT A TIME.
