12 bore Grand Prix Long range gun model 'F'

[Shadab khan]

Dear All,
I have a 12 bore gun
Grand Prix Long range gun model 'F'
36" double barrel, 3-1/4 Chamber, both barrel choke
Made in Birmingham & England
Can you tell me when it was made?
Is it an antique gun?

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[Vikram]

Please post some photos of the gun. Also, show the proof marks and serial number. You can find the proof marks under the barrel. Take the gun outside into good sunlight and take clear photographs. All this will help in identifying the gun and also find the year of manufacture,make,etc.

[Shivaji.Dasgupta]

https://www.internetgunclub.com/archive ... opicid=785

[Shivaji.Dasgupta]

Check this thread. You will find some info about Grand Prix long range gun. Probably this company was a subsidiary of midland gun company of Birmingham. Not much info in net. But one thing is for sure that this gun was intended for long range shooting. Though I don't able to get any info about its success in market.

[Shadab khan]

Please post some photos of the gun. Also, show the proof marks and serial number. You can find the proof marks under the barrel. Take the gun outside into good sunlight and take clear photographs. All this will help in identifying the gun and also find the year of manufacture,make,etc.

My father told me that this gun specially made for 3-1/4 inch cartridges.

[Vikram]

My father told me that this gun specially made for 3-1/4 inch cartridges.

To my knowledge, there is no 3-1/4" cartridge. Only 3" and 3-1/4".

All speculation ends when we see the photos.

[Shadab khan]

My father told me that this gun specially made for 3-1/4 inch cartridges.

To my knowledge, there is no 3-1/4" cartridge. Only 3" and 3-1/4".

All speculation ends when we see the photos.

Dear Vikram,
I have used Alphamax 3 inch cartridge very much but my father told me that the cartridge of 3-1/4 inch also came.
While it is (FOR 3-1/4 inch CARTRIDGES & NITRO PROVED) engraved on my gun barrel too.

[Vikram]

Dear Vikram,
I have used Alphamax 3 inch cartridge very much but my father told me that the cartridge of 3-1/4 inch also came.
While it is (FOR 3-1/4 inch CARTRIDGES & NITRO PROVED) engraved on my gun barrel too.

Interesting. I would like to see the markings on the gun. Would it be possible to post the photos?

[Shadab khan]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/aafgMzZJMWALnqba7

[Shivaji.Dasgupta]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/aafgMzZJMWALnqba7

I have a hunch that it's the same brand mentioned in net as an subsidiary of Midland gun co. In India Alibhoy and sons in Mumbai was the importer. This company was closed or merged in 1940s approx. No certain news I am able to get about it. In 36" barrel it was popular at that time.

[Vikram]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/aafgMzZJMWALnqba7

Thank you for the photos. Till I saw these photos, I did not know that there existed a 3,1/4" 12-bore cartridge.Seems, while uncommon, there
were several guns that were chambered for this cartridge. Even Kynoch and Winchester made these cartridges.

Coming to the gun, the gun itself is a wildfowling gun, i.e., meant for water fowl such as ducks and geese. Going by the proof marks, the gun could have been made between 1904-25. I don't think that it can be considered as an antique. It was a utilitarian grade and not a Best grade gun and as such will not fetch a premium price, either in India or abroad. In my opinion, of course.

What is the serial number on the gun,BTW?

[Shadab khan]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/aafgMzZJMWALnqba7

Thank you for the photos. Till I saw these photos, I did not know that there existed a 3,1/4" 12-bore cartridge.Seems, while uncommon, there
were several guns that were chambered for this cartridge. Even Kynoch and Winchester made these cartridges.

Coming to the gun, the gun itself is a wildfowling gun, i.e., meant for water fowl such as ducks and geese. Going by the proof marks, the gun could have been made between 1904-25. I don't think that it can be considered as an antique. It was a utilitarian grade and not a Best grade gun and as such will not fetch a premium price, either in India or abroad. In my opinion, of course.

What is the serial number on the gun,BTW?

Thanks for giving me knowledge about gun. My father told me that this gun of 36" barrel was made by the Grand Prix company only on order. He also had a 12 bore gun ww greener which he sold out but he did not sell grand prix gun. He told that such type of gun had never been seen before. Even today thousands of people, gun houses and gunsmiths,whoever sees this gun, say that they have seen this gun for the first time, as you have also heard. All of my friends call this gun by the name of 12 bore rifle.

[Vikram]

Coming to the 3-1/4" cartridge, Michael McIntosh in his book Shotguns and Shooting lists a table from a 1916 Winchester catalogue. This chambering was mentioned on page#199.

IMG_20210216_000642.jpg

This gun belongs to a friend. Made by WJ Jeffery.

3 1-4-5.jpg

A 12-bore 3-1/2" cartridge. Taken from Facebook. Not my picture.

3 1-4-2.jpg