General Specs: J.W. Tolley, Year c1900, 16 Gauge, 5lbs. 15oz., Chokes CYL/IM, LOP 14 9/16", DAH 2 1/4", DAC 1 9/16"
Serial Number: 85957
J. & W. Tolley was an English gunmaker of some notoriety, mostly noted for large bore waterfowlers. Tolley guns became known for their quality in 1894 with their appointment as gunmakers to the King of Portugal and to the Persian Royal family. These are not casual appointments, and the quality can be seen in their guns from the London and Birminghan addresses after 1894. This amazing find is a J.W. Tolley Boxlock 16 bore, sn85957 built in about 1900, that has been professionally restored to new sometime in the last few years. The inscription on the top of the barrel indicates a Birmingham made gun. The petite and rounded action retains 99% bone and charcoal case color, well executed English scroll engraving, perfect screws, action tight with barrels tight on hinge and standing breech, auto safety, and crisp trigger pulls. The 28” fluid steel barrels have mirror bores, tight ribs, 99% rust blue, lettering and engraving sharp and clear, and they remain in proof with their 2 ½” chambers. We have a healthy inventory of RST 16ga. 2 ½” for hunting and clays, so no worry about where to find ammunition for this one. RST is back in production as well. The fit of wood to metal is impeccable, and the checkering shows almost no wear. The gun is nimble when brought to shoulder weighing just 5lbs. 15oz. and balanced to perfection between the hands. The English walnut stock is original to the gun and in excellent condition with great stock dimensions. See specifications below. What a great upland gun, like new and ready for another century of pursuing game and clays. The cost for such an extensive restoration almost equals what we are asking for this gun. This gun is priced to sell! The Brits made very few 16-gauge guns and the saying “carries like a twenty and hits like a twelve” is appropriate. Most 20ga. guns weigh more than this one. There is nothing not to like on this one. Don’t hesitate, as these guns don’t show up every day! Thanks for looking.
Barrels
Barrel Length: 28"
Chokes: .002/ .024 Cyl/IM
Bores: excellent
Bore Diameter: .661/ .659
Wall Thickness: .030/ .032
% Blue: 99%, re blued
Chambers: 2 1/2" in proof
Ribs: tight
Sights: front silver bead
Action
Action: tight, on Center
Extractors
Receiver Condition: 99% new CC.
Screws: perfect
Engraving: 30% cover, clear
Trigger Type: double-crisp
Trigger Guard Color: 99%, re blued
Stock
Type: straight/ splinter; straight grain English Walnut
LOP: 14 9/16"
LOP To End Of Wood: 14 9/16"
DAH: 2 1/4"
DAC: 1 9/16"
Cast: Heel 5/16"off, Toe 3/16"off
Checkering Condition: excellent
Butt Treatment: checkered butt
INQUIRIES
There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on long guns. If it is a "VFI Certified" gun there is a 90 day mechanical warranty. Call or email us for more details, extra images and questions. Thanks! Vintage Firearms Inc.
Other
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. Thanks for looking!
We employ full time gunsmiths on premises and can perform alterations to suit your needs within a few weeks of purchase.
