I just aquired a Kawaguchiya Firearms Company double barrel, 12 ga. side-by-side shotgun. I found K.F.C. listed in the Blue Book, but nothing on a SxS. This particular gun has amazing detailed scrolling engraving...even the screwheads are detailed! It has Kawaguchiya Tokyo on top between the barrels, and Hibiki Co. on the sides. It has a 4 digit serial # 30XX, and when you break it down it is stamped again with the serial #, along with 1955...possibly the mfg. date? It has a unique safety, located in the left side of the stock. The closest thing I have been able to find on the internet is a picture on the link below as "No. 19". almost at the bottom of the page. Anyone have any info on this? I can take some pictures of it.
http://members.shaw.ca/tju/muratashotgunpix.htm
I have an original catalogue by KFC from the 1950's, in my files. As soon as I get a few minutes I'll dig it out and post what I find re your S x S.
There are three side by side guns in the brochure that I have. All three are Anson & Deeley type boxlocks. In ascending order of quality they are:
Model M-(Standard)
Model ME(with Automatic Ejector)
Straight-back action, 28" or 30" barrels, right-Imp. or half, left-full,double trggers, auto safety, available with straight-hand grip, full pistol grip, or semi pistol grip. two under-bites only, no third fastener. Case-coloured action. Each model with push-down fore end, carefully checkered, select walnut. Weight 12 gauge-6 1/2 lbs, 16 gauge-6 lbs, 20 gauge-5 3/4 lbs.
Model L-(Standard)
Model L II-(with matted rib)
Straight-backed action, about 50/60 % engraving, 28" or 30" barrels, Right-Imp. or half, Left-Full, double triggers, auto safety. Triple lock, two underbites and an exposed third fastener similar to a Stevens 311. Straight-hand grip, or pistol grip, or semi-pistol grip, Model L with Greener type lock fore end. Model L II with push-down fore end. Carefully checkered, select walnut. Weight 12 gauge-6 1/2 lbs, 16 gauge-6 lbs, 20 gauge-5 3/4 lbs.
Model KE- with automatic ejectors. fancy scallopped-back action, 100% engraving coverage. This MAY be a round action, it's difficult to be certain from the photo. 28" or 30 " barrels. Right-Imp. or Half, Left-Full. Auto safety. Triple lock with double underbites and a Purdey-style hidden third fastener. Straight-hand grip, or pistol grip, or semi-pistol grip. Push-down fore end, carefully checkered, select walnut.
Weight 12 gauge-6 1/2 lbs, 16 gauge-6 lbs, 20 gauge-5 3/4 lbs.
I see no evidence in any of the three photos of a mono-block seam so I would assume that they are chopper lump barrels.
I hope that this may help you to identify what you have.
Best,
Ron.
PS: I just re-read your post and note your remarks about the safety which I assume is a Greener type. All three of the guns in my brochure have the standard sliding safety located on the top tang, no Greener-type is shown in this catalogue.
I have an 'orphaned' set of ejector Bayard/KFC barrels (with forend. They are 12-g, 27.5 inches with full and IC chokes. The serial number is 3679 and the Belgian proof marks suggest that they were made no later than 1924.
Interesting this should come up twice today! (See the above thread on Miroku 28ga.)
Ron, as I indicated in the above thread, I had a KFC marked Miroku Model M (without ejectors) and currently have a KFC marked Hibiki Model M (with ejectors). Otherwise identical guns. Barrels are indeed chopper lump.
From all the info and reviews I have read over the years,
this product is "finger lickin' good"
Can someone tell me if I can post pictures of this gun on here?
Yes
You should be able to use one of the photo hosts like Hunt101 and enter the url provided
Mike