doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Cabelas mystery gun

Vintage double guns are a lot like women. There can be a lot of pain and heartache hidden behind a beautiful exterior. Difference is that, usually, it's easier to return a gun.

It's a nice looking box lock in pretty good condition, and a decent price. I wish I could tell you something about the maker.

You are probably aware of what is involved in an inspection before buying any shotgun. If you can't dry fire it with snap caps in the store to check trigger pulls and mechanical function, know their return policy, and cut the ties on the triggers as soon as you leave the store, so you can walk right back in if there are any issues.

One other thing when you find an interesting gun at a decent price is to do your due diligence as quickly and discreetly as possible, and never mention to anyone on any firearms forum where you saw it, let alone post a link. Why? Because if it is a really good deal, you are likely to find someone will happily buy it right out from under you.

In fact, I see in the description that this gun is "Out of Stock", so unless you had a hold or deposit on it, it may already be gone.

Grok:

**J. Hobson** was a British gunmaker and cutler based in Leamington (now Royal Leamington Spa), Warwickshire, England. He operated primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, producing sporting shotguns, particularly double-barrel side-by-side models typical of the era.

### Key Details on History and Operations
- **Location and Trade**: John Hobson (full name appears in records as John Hobson or similar) described himself as a "Gun Maker and Cutler" in local directories and censuses. Leamington was not a major center for British gunmaking (unlike London, Birmingham, or Edinburgh), so his firm was a smaller, provincial operation. He likely focused on bespoke or semi-custom shotguns for local clientele, including game shooting enthusiasts.
- **Time Period**: Active around the 1890s–1910s or slightly later. Census records from 1901 show him as a widower running the business, with family assistance (e.g., a sister-in-law helping in the household). Guns marked "J. Hobson Gun Maker Leamington" date from the early 20th century, including examples from around 1910–1920s.
- **Products**: He made double-barrel shotguns, often hammerless ejector or non-ejector models chambered for 12-gauge or similar, with 2½–2¾ inch chambers. Barrels were typically marked on the rib with "J. HOBSON GUN MAKER LEAMINGTON." These were engraved to varying degrees (some with scroll or game scene engraving) and built on traditional British boxlock or sidelock actions. They were solid, workmanlike guns rather than ultra-premium "best" quality from houses like Purdey or Holland & Holland.
- **Examples in Collections/Auctions**: Surviving guns appear in modern auctions (e.g., Rock Island Auction Company has listed engraved British double-barrel shotguns marked "J. HOBSON GUN MAKER LEAMINGTON," often with leather cases). They are collectible as provincial British pieces but not as rare or high-value as those from major London makers.

### Context in British Gunmaking
British gunmaking in this period was dominated by London firms (e.g., Boss & Co. from 1812, Purdey, Rigby) and Birmingham trade gunmakers who supplied actions/parts to smaller shops. Provincial makers like Hobson often assembled guns using Birmingham components (e.g., from firms like Webley or Greener influences) while adding their own finishing, engraving, and fitting. Hobson's work fits this pattern—reliable sporting arms for the British countryside rather than export or royal patronage.

Little detailed company history survives (no major archives or books dedicated to the firm), likely due to its small scale and regional focus. No evidence suggests it continued as a major brand beyond the early 20th century; it probably faded with the decline in small independent gun shops post-WWI and economic changes.

If you're referring to a specific gun (e.g., serial number, photos, or markings), more details could help narrow down its exact production era or features.

On the gun: I don't buy the 4# weight either.

If the barrels are 27", the stock looks short - under 14". Most English sub-gauge guts were stocked for women or kids...I'd check it. I'll SWAG it when I get to my computer.

...but it's really nice looking and nicely refinished. Great wood on the stock.

Fine looking firearm. Shortish stock can be handled. I might bite the bullet but not at the risk of divorce. Pictures of water table and barrel flats could help tell more of the story. Thanks.

Stock is ~13 13/16" by my seat of the pants/Adobe Illustrator measuring system, which it usually pretty close. 13 7/16" to the end of the wood - 3/8" pad.

Agree with Keith, it's sold. Disagree with Geoff, don't believe it's been refinished, really don't know of any reason, based on the photos, why you would say that...
JR

Thanks so much for all the information, everyone. It's been helpful. And yes, I am the one who bought it, so I'm eager to take a look in person when it gets in. If the stock isn't abnormally short I think I can deal with that. I'm not sure if I overpaid for it or not, but it seems to be in good shape on the outside, and if it does pass muster I think it'll be really cool to have a gun like that, with such an obscure, provincial English history, killing bobs in Oklahoma a century later. If I'm honest that's one of the main reasons I prefer the vintage stuff.

If you like it and can make it work for you, then you didn’t overpay.

Good luck.

Best,
Ted

It seemed to me, that the trade name built British 12 gauge side-by-side peaked at around 3200 a few years back.

So if you get a functional 20 gauge substantially below that, you’re not going to get hurt unless it’s got problems that would warrant returning it to the seller.