After an early career on the stage, he was featured in several of the Ealing Comedies, including The Ladykillers and Kind Hearts and Coronets in which he played eight different characters. He is also known for his six collaborations with David Lean: Herbert Pocket in Great Expectations (1946), Fagin in Oliver Twist (1948), Col. Nicholson in The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Chris Beaumont explains why this shotgun is so noteworthy: “It's always adds a dash of added interest when we have a gun through with a link to the world of the arts. Most provenance we have to work with is understandably linked to icons of the hunting or shooting field and we rarely encounter links to the world of the silver screen (in these times, one can't help but wonder if this as much to do with publicity agents as the performers themselves). To see the records listing one of our greatest ever actors of stage and screen is a thrill - and all the more charming to see it relating to a gift from father to son.”
The gun features 28in. nitro barrels, rib engraved 'WILLIAM EVANS. 67A ST. JAMES'S STREET. LONDON. W.1', 2 1/2in. chambers, bored approx. 1/4 and 3/4 choke, automatic safety, acanthus scroll engraving, the action signed 'WILLIAM EVANS', retaining much original colour-hardening and finish, 15 1/2in. stock including 1in. wooden extension, weight 6lb. 7oz., in its canvas and leather case with William Evans trade label.
Estimate: £1,000-1,500. For sale in London on Thursday 15th September.
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