The monogram seems to have evolved over time. The ejc seen on the bottom of his best guns has the E inside the C and actually forms the outline of the owl. Aside from the trigger guard, this gun looks very much like a custom hammer gun that Churchill would have made in the early years prior to Robert churchill taking over and modernizing the operation in the sense that different "models" were created and the E.J.Churchill brand was promoted. If you go on James D'Julia or Google E.j. churchill hammer guns you will see guns that are very similar and identical in many ways. I understand the hammer guns were rare but custom guns were Churchill's main source of business in early years (1890's) and custom guns made for people in united States was common for him. Also common for bespoke gun to be absent VISIBLE proof marks and or makers mark if so requested by the customer. If you look at the grainy picture I contend is the Genesis of his monogram You will see the E encompassing the C and the J as opposed to the monogram you see in which the E forms the owl. In my picture, keep in mind this is between the lugs and is worn, the E.J.and c are all there and so is the owl, but right side of owls head created by the foot of the J.. Also if you looked at the Rose engraving, there is clearly an ejc monogram hidden in it as well as a beautiful head of a pigeon. I could not see the pigeon at first but it is apparent. The J is intentional and borders it's beak which is black. This engraving is located where he ordinarily would have put his monogram. Also, would the A.S. initials beside the serial number represent Agar Street? The opening mechanism I feel goes back to John H. Hall patent in the early 1800s. I believe the guns owner was William B. Hall of Lancaster PA who also had patented improvements for breech opening shotguns. Trying to connect him to John H. Hall.
