Make: W. Bland, Birmingham. Imported by Navy Arms.

Model: Side by Side

Serial Number: 1889

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1900s

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 1/2" Shells

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

Barrel Length: Approximate 26"

Choke: Both chokes are Cylinder, Fixed.

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with a straight hand wrist, straight comb, splinter forend with Deeley Release, and KICK-EEZ buttpad with two spacers. There is a horn triangular inlay at the tip of the forend. There is an oval metallic inlay in the belly of the buttstock. There are scattered handling marks and compressions. There are no cracks. There is a small loss on the right edge of the forend at the rear metal. The LOP measures 13 7/8" and 14 3/4" from the front of the triggers to the rear of the buttpad, respectively. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: The barrels have been reblued. The receiver is original.

Bore Condition: The smooth bores are bright. There is no erosion. There is a patch of corrosion in the right bore about two inches from the muzzle. In this writer's opinion the left bore rates 9/10 and the left bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows scattered handling marks and light intermittent oxidation. There is some finish loss on the muzzle but the rest of the barrel has strong and complete blue. Most of the case color on the receiver has muted with some vibrant case color reserved in the protected areas. The rib is separating from the barrels at the muzzle. There is light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tooled marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This Navy Arms W. Bland of Birmingham side by side reflects the practical English boxlock sporting guns produced around the turn of the twentieth century, built for field use rather than exhibition. Chambered for 2 1/2 inch 12 gauge shells and fitted with approximate 26 inch barrels choked Cylinder and Cylinder, this configuration aligns with traditional close range upland and driven shooting roles common to British sporting estates of the period. The double trigger layout, extractor action, and restrained Birmingham styling place emphasis on balance, handling, and durability over ornamentation.

Condition is consistent with honest use and later upkeep. The shotgun retains roughly 70 percent of its metal finish, with the reblued barrels showing strong coverage aside from some muzzle wear, and the receiver displaying muted case color with brighter tones preserved in protected areas. The smooth bores are generally bright, with the left bore rating 9 out of 10 and the right bore 7 out of 10 due to a localized patch of corrosion near the muzzle. The walnut stocks show scattered handling marks and compressions but no cracks, retaining sound structure despite a small loss at the rear edge of the forend. Mechanically, the action locks up solid and functions correctly, though the rib is beginning to separate at the muzzle. Overall, this is a serviceable English style double that presents as an honest, workmanlike shotgun with clear period character.