Howdy All:

I was hoping someone here on AR would know about this shotgun maker, Walter Betts Whittall Street Birmingham England. All the dealer told me was the shotgun is from the early 1900s. Just wondering about quality, reputation, etc. Decent enough restoration on it I think.

The reason I got it was I have a WJ Jeffery .500 NE double rifle with hammers and I thought this would be the perfect practice gun.

Thanks!

Here is what Boothroyds' Revised Directory was to say about Walter Betts.
Walter Betts was listed at 26 1/2 Whittall Street, Birmingham, as a gun action maker in 1910, and by 1915 the style had change to Betts Junior. Not listed as in business in 1920. Also Alfred and Arthur at 27 1/2 Whittall Street, who were gun action filers. Walter and Alfred in business in 1930, then from 1935 to 1940. Not listed in 1945.
As you can see from the proof marks on your gun it was originally proof for 1 1/4 oz. It's hard to see through the glare on the barrel flats but if it gives a pressure proof in tons per square", then some time after 1954 the gun was re-chambered to
2 3/4' and re-proofed.
Hope this helps...

A British gun of this vintage with that heavy of a proof (1 1/4) was either a waterfowl gun or a pigeon gun, more likely the latter if a pigeon gun other tale tales would be the chokes, if they are still original and the height of the comb. If it was made for waterfowl quite often gun makers would gold wash parts or all of the action to prevent corosion. They would also gold wash actions of guns that were destined for the Colonies as these guns would perhaps see harsher use and climates and not be returned to thier maker for proper maintenence as was custom during those times.

Thanks, very much appreciated.