Absolutely Stunning Trio of Factory Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid John Wilkes Sidelock Double Barrel Shotguns with Case

A) John Wilkes 28 Gauge Sidelock Shotgun

A superb and highly collectible matched trio by the legendary London maker John Wilkes, built around 1985 and representing the firm’s best-quality bespoke work from its final era. With lavish gold inlay, exceptional wood, maker’s case, tools, and accessories, this set offers major appeal for collectors of fine British sporting guns.

• Built by John Wilkes of London, one of England’s respected bespoke gunmaking firms
  • Founded in 1894 and operated for 109 years until closing in 2003
  • Final years were under John and Tom Wilkes, the 5th generation of the Wilkes family to run the business
  • Wilkes was known for exceptional quality and bespoke craftsmanship
  • Only approximately 100 guns were built from around 1970—when the firm began making new rifles again—through the end of production
  • All were considered best-quality pieces, and this trio is an outstanding example of that late Wilkes craftsmanship
• Matched three-gun set includes:
  • Gun “A”: 28 gauge
  • Gun “B”: 20 gauge
  • Gun “C”: .410 bore
• Barrels and rib details:
  • Blacked steel barrels on all three guns
  • Smooth game ribs, each fitted with a single bead sight
  • Rib inscription in gold inlay: “JOHN WILKES 79 BEAK STREET LONDON. W1.”
  • Attractive scroll engraving flourish at the base of each rib
  • Single bands of engraving at the breeches with accompanying gold-inlaid bands
  • Import mark located on the underside of the right tube
• Proofing and chambering:
  • London nitro proof marks
  • 28 gauge gun proof dated 1984
  • .410 bore and 20 gauge guns proof dated 1985
  • 20 gauge chambers: 2 3/4 inches
  • 28 gauge chambers: 2 3/4 inches
  • .410 bore chambers: 3 inches
• Action and lockwork:
  • Each gun is built on a casehardened sidelock bar-action, sized appropriately to its gauge
  • Floral relief-carved rose buds on the fences and top lever
  • Gold-inlaid “JOHN WILKES” signatures on the leg of each lockplate
  • Double triggers
  • Right-hand rolled trigger guard
  • Gold centerlined cocking indicators
  • Mixed gold and nitre-blued pins
  • Tang-mounted automatic safety
  • Safety features a relief-carved rose bloom and gold-inlaid “SAFE” indicator
  • Gun “B” additionally features bushed firing pins
• Individual engraving and gold-inlay treatments:
  • 28 gauge, Gun “A”:
    • Arabesque scroll border engraving on the action bar
    • Flush gold-inlaid borders
    • Semi-relief gold-inlaid vines ending in rose blossoms
    • Flush gold-inlaid floral designs across the balance of the gun
  • 20 gauge, Gun “B”:
    • Flush gold-inlaid tight rose and scroll engraving
    • Semi-relief inlaid rose bouquets resembling classic English bouquet-and-scroll engraving
    • “JOHN WILKES/LONDON” in gold on the underside
    • Flush floral gold inlays on the tangs and trigger guard
  • .410 bore, Gun “C”:
    • Fully covered with flush gold-inlaid floral designs
    • Gold floral work flows onto the trigger guard and tangs
    • “JOHN WILKES/LONDON” in gold on the underside
• Engraving attribution and collector interest:
  • Engraving is unsigned on all three guns
  • Highly likely to have been performed by English Master Engraver Craig Whitsey
  • Whitsey is also an accomplished gunmaker and worked with Wilkes as both engraver and smith for over 30 years
  • The shared design language, combined with distinct embellishment on each gun, greatly enhances the set’s visual appeal and collector desirability
• Stocks and forends:
  • Stunning, richly figured wood throughout
  • Splinter forends with mullered borders and multi-point checkering
  • Casehardened forend irons with floral gold inlay
  • Anson push-rod forend releases
  • Straight-grip stocks
  • Blank gold inscription ovals
  • Checkered butts
• Original maker’s case and accessories:
  • Entire set is housed in a single large oak-and-leather flat case by the maker
  • Includes three horn-handled turnscrews
  • Includes three engraved Wilkes-marked oil pots
  • Includes cleaning tools
  • Includes engraved snap caps for each chambering
• Barrel and stock measurements, right/left where applicable:
  • Bore diameter 9 inches from the breech: proofed at .550 inches
  • Measured bore diameter: .548/.549 inches
  • Choke constriction: .009/.029 inches
  • Minimum wall thickness: .034/.030 inches
  • Drop at comb: 1 5/16 inches
  • Drop at heel: 2 1/16 inches
  • Length of pull: 15 5/8 inches
  • Cast-off
  • Weight: 5 lbs. 9 oz.
• Collector appeal:
  • Rare matched trio from the final era of a historic London gunmaker
  • Best-quality bespoke construction with extensive gold inlay and relief carving
  • Strong association with the Wilkes family legacy and likely Craig Whitsey engraving
  • Complete presentation with maker’s case, tools, oil pots, cleaning accessories, and snap caps
  • A highly desirable acquisition for collectors of fine English shotguns and late 20th-century London gunmaking artistry

B) John Wilkes 20 Gauge Sidelock Shotgun
As described in “A”. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech proofed and measured .614 inches; choke constriction .011/.021 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.033 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 1 3/4 inch drop at heel; 15 5/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 3 oz.

C) John Wilkes .410 Bore Sidelock Shotgun
As described in “A”. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed and measured .406 inches and measured .412 inches; choke constriction .032/.035 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 13/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 5 lbs.