See the URL below for the Hellis Featherweight pair auctioned at Glen Eagles this week. They hammered at 7500 BPS - about $12,000 for the pair. Add 20% buyer's premium and $500 shipping and you have near $15,000. Hellis is Brand Value level three (BV3). The guns are about Original Quality grade two and a fourth (OQ2.25 closer to and "A" grade SLE than to a "B" grade SLE) and are near Current Condition level 2 and a half (CC2.5 is between Slight use and Significant use ); BV3-OQ2.25-CC2.5 = $7,500/gun. Spot on.
CHARLES HELLIS & SONS
A FINE PAIR OF 12-BORE "FEATHERWEIGHT" SIDELOCK EJECTOR GUNS, NOS. 3943/4
26-inch barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers about 1/4 and full choke borings, top extension, the frames, locks and gold-numbered top levers with fine border and scroll engraving surrounding a pair of feathers within a shield, retaining much original hardening colour (Key to Current Condition level rating; guns used very much do not retain "much" case color.), the maker's name signed within a scrolling banner, lined cocking indicators, rolled edge trigger guards, 14 1/4-inch well figured stocks, slightly cast for the left shoulder, 6lb. 4oz., nitro proof, in their brassbound oak and leather case
The guns were completed in December 1935 (note the flatback design - by 1935 the stocked to the fences style was so ingrained that "best" guns were not built on flatback actions; but, guns such as these did approach Original Quality grade two). The guns are built for the right shoulder, the current owner having had the stocks cast on. They will easily return to their original position. http://www.gavingardiner.com/BidCat/detail.asp?SaleRef=0013&LotRef=89
