Lot 1374

J. Woodward & Sons "The Automatic" Sidelock Underlever Shotgun

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J. Woodward & Sons "The Automatic" Sidelock Underlever Shotgun

Estimate: $3,500 - $5,500

Starting Bid: $3,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Factory Engraved J. Woodward & Sons "The Automatic" Sidelock Underlever Double Barrel Shotgun with Case Completed between 1880 and 1885 according to page 133 of Nigel Brown's "British Gunmakers Volume One: London". Built with brown Damascus steel barrels featuring a single bead on the smooth game rib which is marked "The Automatic" as well as with a gold "2" and the address, original London proof marks with later London reproof marks, and chambers marked 2 1/2 inches with extractor. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened sidelock underlever patent "lever cocking" action which displays attractive relief acanthus leaf carved fences and "J. WOODWARD & SONS" on either lock with "THE/AUTOMATIC/WOODWARD/PATENT" on the underside all surrounded by scroll engraving. The gun features an automatic "fish-tail" tang safety with gold "BOLTED", protruding pivot gold centerlined cocking indicators with "COCKED" banners, and double triggers. The gun is fitted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved iron and Anson release as well as a straight grip stock with teardrop drop points, a "2" in a silver oval behind the top strap, a gold stock oval, and a leather covered recoil pad. Includes a maker's oak and leather case with "S.A COURT./2." on the lid, an oiler, and loading tools. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .729 and measure .734/.736 inches; choke constriction .012/.015 inches; minimum wall thickness .027/.025 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs.

Manufacturer: J. Woodward

Model: SxS

BBL: 29 inch solid rib

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 12

Finish: brown/casehardened/black

Serial Number3740

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very fine as professionally restored, retaining 97% brown finish on the barrels with strong Damascus patterns, attractive silver patina on the action, 99% black finish on the lower tang and lever, light handling evidence, and crisp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with some wear.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000