At an Amish gun auction in March of '15 I bid on what I thought was a 12 gauge hammer gun. I wasn't there for that particular gun, but since no interest was shown in it I won it for less than $200. When I picked it up I was astonished at the engraving, the quality of the wood and craftsmanship. what puzzled me was that there was no apparent makers mark on this gun. No proof marks on the flats, just the initials w.b.h. Lancaster PA in old English scroll on the rib. these I assume are the initials of the customer, not the maker. digging deeper and reading through Don Masters book on Churchill has only led me to feel my suspicions are on the mark. Under the barrels and between the lugs is a dime sized monogram large "E" encompassing a smaller "C" and a "J" and what appears to be an owl when the picture is rotated to the right. It is somewhat different than the modernized version seen on the exterior of his finer guns and what I think is proof of the evolution of the monogram. Rose and scroll engraving, Stanton locks, 2 sets of initials and a 3 digit number under the barrels, 6xx. An owl is clearly engraved on the unique trigger guard. When I can figure out how to get the pictures uploaded I will get them on. Any help with contact info on someone who can authenticate it is appreciated. (Chris Cloake from the Churchill gun room recommended this site)thanks.
