William Chance Shotgun

[Wesporter76]

I acquired a William Chance and Sons London Real Twist double barrel shotgun. I can’t find much information on the shotgun And am not aware if its original or a replica. It’s in fairly good condition with the exception of the hammer springs are missing or destroyed. Just wondering where I can get more information on how the repair the hammer mechanisms.

I was able to take it apart, one barrel is vented to the rear, not sure why.

Anyone hard any information, I’d appreciate it. I purchased it as a wall handler but would love to make it workable.

 

[Rudyard]

Your Wm Chance gun Ile try find. But a photo of the gun & its proof marks should reveal more .Chance might be the maker or simply a retailer .Re vent? need pics . Could it have a surround of silvery looking Platina? but if so both plugs would have that feature . M springs rarley any standard but a capable BP gunsmith should have the ability .Not so a smith who only handles modern rubbish . ( In my obviously biased opinion !) .Need pics and how is the bore condition ?.
Rudyard

 

[Brokennock]

I acquired a William Chance and Sons London Real Twist double barrel shotgun. I can’t find much information on the shotgun And am not aware if its original or a replica. It’s in fairly good condition with the exception of the hammer springs are missing or destroyed. Just wondering where I can get more information on how the repair the hammer mechanisms.

I was able to take it apart, one barrel is vented to the rear, not sure why.

Anyone hard any information, I’d appreciate it. I purchased it as a wall handler but would love to make it workable.

@Rudyard and @Feltwad will be your best sources here.

 

[Rudyard]

OK just looked up Blackmores' London Gunmakers 1350 to 1850 . He lists W Chance & sons 2 Colman Street Building Described as Wm Chance & Sons main factory in Birmingham note of' Sold Guns marked ' London' Big wholesale to US market 1829 to 1842 continue as W Chance & Co then just 'and Co' in 1858 made trade guns in Birmingham but marked' London' Chiefs and NW guns to American For Company 1835 to 45 & no doubt general factors . So your gun will likely bear the Birmingham proof mark and as likely moderate grade export quality . Hope that helps Note regardless of the dates the same earlier style might be marked . & much work' farmed out as was normal 'Factoring 'same with cutlery .All they cared about was getting paid .True then as now , Even I was a cutlery' Factor.'
Rudyard

 

[plmeek]

While I was typing, Rudyard posted essentially the same information as I have below.

Howard L. Blackmore in Gunmakers of London Supplement 1350-1850 has this entry,

William 2 son of William 1 (?). American merchant, 2 Coleman St. Bldgs. London, 1829-35. At same address became William Chance & Sons, 1836-42; William Chance Son & Co., 1843-56; William Chance & Co., 1858. Main premises at 152 Great Charles St., Birmingham but marked guns "London". As importers of hardware and firearms had branch in New York, 1842-53 (Dir). One of the main suppliers of Indian Chief guns and North West guns to American Fur Co., 1835-42; P. Choteau & Co., 1850-59.

Replacing the springs in locks could get expensive as they would likely need to be hand made to fit. I know a master longrifle builder and gun restorer that would charge several hundred dollars for such work.

Without pictures, it's hard to know what sort of condition is meant by "one barrel is vented to the rear". It might require fitting a new breech plug, which again could be expensive if done correctly and made to match original in dimensions and surface patina.

 

[Eterry]

I acquired a William Chance and Sons London Real Twist double barrel shotgun. I can’t find much information on the shotgun And am not aware if its original or a replica. It’s in fairly good condition with the exception of the hammer springs are missing or destroyed. Just wondering where I can get more information on how the repair the hammer mechanisms.

I was able to take it apart, one barrel is vented to the rear, not sure why.

Anyone hard any information, I’d appreciate it. I purchased it as a wall handler but would love to make it workable.

The first thing I thought of when I read "one barrel vented to the rear ", was that someone had made it into a lamp at some point. If so that's gonna be an expensive fix. We definitely need pictures.

 

[MOCollector]

Chance and Son, Chance and sons, along with at least two other DBA's fell under his ownership, different styles and qualities of shotguns came from those namesakes. He also commissioned many guns for export to the US. NY and ST. Louis were the main points of destination. I Have a Chance and Son 1842-1856 Fine Damascus Twisted Double Barrel Shotgun which my grandfather who was a major collector out of Maine was told it came directly from a French Nobleman's family through auction. It is ornate enough to believe, it has far more engraving and gold and silver inlay than I have seen on any other weapon from he and his company. He was well known for exporting high grade weapons, typically a bit pricier or far more pricier than many other company's. I am continuing my research.

 

[MOCollector]

I acquired a William Chance and Sons London Real Twist double barrel shotgun. I can’t find much information on the shotgun And am not aware if its original or a replica. It’s in fairly good condition with the exception of the hammer springs are missing or destroyed. Just wondering where I can get more information on how the repair the hammer mechanisms.

I was able to take it apart, one barrel is vented to the rear, not sure why.

Anyone hard any information, I’d appreciate it. I purchased it as a wall handler but would love to make it workable.

 

[MOCollector]

Chance and Son, Chance and sons, along with at least two other DBA's fell under his ownership, different styles and qualities of shotguns came from those namesakes. He also commissioned many guns for export to the US. NY and ST. Louis were the main points of destination. I Have a Chance and Son 1842-1856 Fine Damascus Twisted Double Barrel Shotgun which my grandfather who was a major collector out of Maine was told it came directly from a French Nobleman's family through auction. It is ornate enough to believe, it has far more engraving and gold and silver inlay than I have seen on any other weapon from he and his company. He was well known for exporting high grade weapons, typically a bit pricier or far more pricier than many other company's. I am continuing my research.