Make: Midland Gun Co., Birmingham. Imported by Navy Arms

Model: Demon Grade Hammerless

Serial Number: 23293

Year of Manufacture: 1909-1941

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 1/2" Shells

Action Type: Side by Side, Box Lock, Top Break, Double Trigger Shotgun with Split Ejectors.

Barrel Length: Approximate 30"

Choke: The left choke shows a constriction of .009, IC, Fixed and the right choke shows a constriction of .000, Cylinder, Fixed.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a metallic bead at the muzzle.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, splinter forend with Deeley Release, and orange rubber buttpad. There is an oval metallic inlay in the belly of the buttstock marked "A.C.P.". There are scattered handling marks and compressions. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is crisp with light peak wear. The LOP measures 13 3/4" and 14 3/4" from the front of the triggers to the rear of the buttpad, respectively. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition. Slightly cast off.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Refinished. The serial number on the barrels do not match the receiver.

Bore Condition: The smooth bores are bright. There is no notable erosion. There are minor fouling streaks. In this writer's opinion the bores each rate 9/10.

Weight: 6lbs 15oz.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 70% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish on the barrels is strong throughout. Most of the case color has muted to a silver. There are areas on the receiver that show heavy cleaning. There is light scattered handling wear with some minor thinning on the leading edges. There is intermittent oxidation. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tooled marked with serviceable slots. Most of the engraving on the case portions of the receiver show some defined engraving. The rest of the markings and engravings are shallow to partially filled and muddied. Overall, this shotgun rates in Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The lockup is solid with no play. The shotgun’s action automatically returns to “SAFE” when the break-lever is actuated and functions properly when manually set. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Midland Gun Company of Birmingham produced solid working class sporting guns through the early twentieth century, and the Demon Grade Hammerless model reflects that practical English tradition. Built between 1909 and 1941, this 12 gauge side by side features 30 inch barrels and split ejectors, a configuration well suited to driven shooting and traditional field use. The Improved Cylinder and Cylinder choke pairing offers a broad, open patterning capability typical of British game guns chambered for 2 1/2 inch shells, emphasizing smooth handling and fast target acquisition over tight constriction.

This example retains approximately 70 percent of its current metal finish following refinishing, with the barrels showing strong coverage and the receiver largely silvered from muted case color. Areas of heavier cleaning are visible on the action body, and the barrel serial numbers do not match the receiver, both consistent with its refinished status. The bores are bright with no notable erosion, rating 9 out of 10, and the walnut stocks remain in Very Good condition with crisp checkering and only scattered handling marks. Engraving remains partially defined, and the action locks up solid with properly functioning split ejectors and automatic safety. Overall, this Midland Demon Grade presents as a serviceable English style double with classic lines and dependable mechanical integrity.