wymberley Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 On the top lever of my 20 bore S56E there is an inlaid gold (?) bird. Opinion has it that it is - or should be - a woodcock. Questions, why a woodcock and would this be usual for what is, after all, not one of their higher grade models from '77. Family down from 'up norf' and one member who shoots a 686S and has done with the same one for some 25+ years wanted to see it. He eventually handed it back some 2 hours later when he'd finally finished putting it down and then picking it up again only to declare that as it's '77 vintage, it can't be described as new so we'll settle for 'not used'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 Like this? This is my S57EL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted August 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 That's my boy! Exactly like that. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 Is that the silver pigeon before it became a model on its own? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 2 hours ago, JohnfromUK said: Like this? This is my S57EL. If that’s a woodcock it’s obviously been engraved by someone who has only ever seen a pigeon! 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 I always thought it was the "Silver Pigeon" after which the guns were named? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodeer Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 That was only 687 models not 686 and generally game versions only . It’s a pigeon. Mostly 687 L models . Not sure what L stood for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted August 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 I agree with the looks like a pigeon. However, I really know nothing. Have been told that it could be a woodcock because the 20 bore is renowned as the go to gun for that species. But I do know that there was also a silver and a gold snipe version - along with a Sauer Beretta produced model. Also, this was a hand finished gun prior to the 680 series which followed it which did not, being machine made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUNKS Posted August 21, 2019 Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 My 1986 20g S687 has this bird on the top lever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan123shooting Posted August 23, 2019 Report Share Posted August 23, 2019 Perhaps a picture to compare Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingman Posted August 27, 2019 Report Share Posted August 27, 2019 That bird looks like Orville the duck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted September 1, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2019 Curiouser and curiouser. Just heard from Step-son and his has no "Orville". Now, I can't say that both guns were the same - patently because I missed the 'no Orville' for a start - but I really thought they were identical. The Date Codes on both guns indicate the same year - '77 - and the Serial Numbers are not too far apart and they're both S56E - mine has the lower Ser. No. Although it's of absolutely no consequence, it is a tad intriguing so would like to know. All I can think of is that "Orville" who is in 'gold' has a silver brother which make up the Gold and Silver Snipe versions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted September 1, 2019 Report Share Posted September 1, 2019 (edited) My S57 EL (pictured earlier in this thread) is from circa 1975 I believe and the 'Orville" is in a silver colour. Don't know much of the history other than that I bought it second hand circa early 1980s c/w leather case and 2 sets barrels. It originally had a 'varnished' stock which I had stripped and the chunky pistol grip (how I hate pistol grips!) slimmed, and re-chequered and oil finished, the work being done by William Powells. I have used it including in Costa Rica dove shooting (very hot weather) and it has never missed a beat (despite being cursed with a single trigger). I must have had it for nearly 40 years. Edited September 1, 2019 by JohnfromUK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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