Symes & Wright A fine 12-bore single-trigger sidelock ejector over and under gun, no. OU 01, The Birds of Prey gun

28-inch barrels with 2 3/4-inch chambers, about 1/4 choke borings, matted solid rib and gold lined breeches, the frame, locks and top-lever engraved in bold relief with scrolling foliage and mythical creatures, the locks and action base engraved with scenes of birds of prey in flight, signed by the engraver Rashid el Hadi, retaining all of its bright cyanide hardened finish, rolled edge trigger guard, 14 1/2-inch highly figured stock with pistol grip, nitro proof, in its makers brass bound oak and leather case with canvas outer cover

The gun was completed in 1990 and appears little used. It retains virtually all of its original finish and is engraved to an exceptional standard by Rashid el Hadi. It is the first Over and Under gun that Symes and Wright completed, and is sold with a comprehensive file containing numerous contempory magazine articles detailing the completion of the gun and the founding of the company.

Symes and Wright was formed as a gunmaker in London in1987. Both Peter Symes and Alex Wright had previously worked for James Purdey & Sons and as young gunmakers had decided to set up business on their own. With a flair for design and marketing and a fresh outlook the company was quickly established as a serious competitor to the existing London makers. At a time when the London trade was only slowly pulling out of recession, and was perceived as old and stuffy, Symes and Wright were like a breath of fresh air. During the company's short history it produced some of the best guns to come out of London since the 1930's. To quote from one of the company's advertisements  "We are not trading on a reputation established over a centruy ago, nor do we waste energy marketing luxury goods associated with our name. Our business is quite simply building the finest sporting guns money can buy-without compromise, without exception"