Make: Wilkinson Pall Mall, London. Imported by Navy Arms.

Model: Side by Side

Serial Number: 1185

Year of Manufacture: 1850-1890 / Antique

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 1/2" Shells

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

Barrel Length: Approximate 30"

Choke: The right choke measures .000, CYL. The left choke measures about .020, MOD. Both are fixed.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass bead at the front of the rib.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with a straight hand wrist, straight comb, serrated hard rubber buttplate, and steel tipped splinter forend. There is an initials plate on the belly of the buttstock marked "D.W.S.". There are scattered handling marks and compressions. There is a crack on the right side of the forend. The checkering holds some definition though areas have smoothed and compressed. The LOP measures 13 1/4" and 14 1/8" from the front of the triggers to the rear of the buttplate, respectively. The drop at comb measures 1 1/2" and the drop at heel measures 2". Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition. Slight right hand cast.

Type of Finish: Blued and Case Color

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

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. There is minor fouling streaks in the left choke. In this writer's opinion the bores rate 10/10.

Weight: 6lbs 13.3oz.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows scattered handling marks and light intermittent oxidation. The finish on the barrels is strong and complete. Most of the case color on the receiver has turned to a silver. There is light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tooled marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. The engraving is crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good condition as refinished antique.

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: Wilkinson of Pall Mall, London was known for supplying refined sporting arms during the Victorian era, and this antique 12 gauge boxlock reflects the restrained elegance and practical purpose of late nineteenth century British game guns. Built with 30 inch barrels chambered for 2 1/2 inch shells, it offers the long, steady swing favored for driven birds and formal field shooting. The Cylinder and Modified choke pairing provides traditional versatility, while the dual triggers and extractor system maintain the straightforward mechanical arrangement common to dependable London trade doubles of the period.

This example retains approximately 60 percent of its metal finish, with the reblued barrels showing strong, even coverage and the receiver largely silvered as original case color has muted with age. The engraving remains crisp and markings clear, while the bores are bright and rate 10 out of 10 with only minor fouling streaks noted. The walnut stocks display honest handling wear and a crack on the right side of the forend, yet remain sound with classic straight hand configuration and slight right hand cast. With solid lockup, properly functioning automatic safety, and balanced weight under seven pounds, this Wilkinson boxlock presents as a well proportioned Victorian sporting double with authentic character and enduring mechanical integrity.