Make: Wanless Bros. Sunderland & Stockton On Tees, Navy Arms

Model: Side By Side

Serial Number: 30982

Year of Manufacture: 1910-1934

Gauge: 410 Bore, 2.5” Chamber

Action Type: Top Break Box-lock Side by Side, Double Trigger, Hammer-Fired shotgun

Barrel Length: 28"

Choke: Both chokes are Cylinder, Fixed

Sights / Optics: Metallic bead front sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, serrated hard rubber buttplate, and steel tipped splinter forend. There is a metallic inlay on the belly of the buttstock. There are scattered scratches, nicks, and compressions. There are two notable dents on the right side of the buttstock toward the toe. The length of pull measures 13 5/8" and 14 3/8" from the front of the triggers to the rear of the buttplate respectively. Overall the stocks rate in Good condition. Neutral cast.

Type of Finish: Blued and Case Color

Finish Originality: Navy Arms Refinished barrels. The frame appears original.

Bore Condition: The smooth bores are generally bright. There is modest erosion throughout both bores. In this writer's opinion the bores each rate 5/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains approximately 65% of its current metal finish. Most of the frame has thinned and taken to a light mottled patina. There is intermittent oxidation and corrosion along with a few scabs on the barrels. Most of the case color on the frame has muted with some reserved in the protected areas. There is erosion on the muzzles. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the extractor. The action locks up tight with no play. 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 Wanless Bros. side by side .410 bore shotgun reflects the English boxlock tradition carried into the early twentieth century, a period when small bore doubles were favored for light game, pest control, and gentlemanly field use. Produced between roughly 1910 and 1934 and later imported under the Navy Arms banner, this hammer fired, double trigger configuration represents a utilitarian British sporting gun rather than a best grade piece, built for practical service with straightforward lines and durable construction. The 28 inch barrels with fixed cylinder chokes align well with its intended role as a close range field gun, offering a lively, well balanced profile typical of light English doubles.

Condition today is consistent with honest use over time. The shotgun retains approximately 65 percent of its current metal finish, with thinning on the frame that has transitioned to a light mottled patina and scattered oxidation present on the barrels, including some erosion at the muzzles. The smooth bores remain generally bright but show modest erosion throughout, each rating 5 out of 10. The walnut stocks exhibit scattered handling marks and a pair of noticeable dents toward the toe on the right side, yet remain structurally sound with an intact steel tipped splinter forend and serrated hard rubber buttplate. With clear markings, sharp screw heads, and a tight locking action, this Wanless Bros. .410 presents as a solid, serviceable English style small bore double that retains clear period character.