Chamberlain vintage side-by-side

Older guns, such as this circa 1900 sidelock ejector, can offer character and quality at an accessible price. However, it is vital to look beyond the superficial

- Michael Yardley

THIS MONTH'S test gun is not our usual fare, being an intriguing Edwin Chamberlain back-action, seven-pin side-lock ejector side-by-side made circa 1900 (somewhere between 1896 and 1904 from the proof marks). It comes to these pages courtesy of veteran dealer Victor Chapman of Marks Tey, Essex. The featured gun has 30in barrels; a flat, tapered, file-cut rib; and a straight-hand stock with double triggers. A weight of 7lb 3oz suggests it may have been intended for pigeon shooting (especially when considered with its wide rib of typical late Victorian or Edwardian pigeon-gun type).