A non-firing Horton, circa 1880
A non-firing Horton, circa 1880
An old and beautiful 10-bore hammer by Horton, circa 1880, the partially engraved action with border and scroll-engraving, with engraved hammers, the barrels in Lockyer bronze finish, with classic double-trigger and highly-figured walnut stock.
William Horton was making guns as early as 1855. He was based in Birmingham but moved to several other locations over the years. The business finished trading in 1924 when it was based in Glasgow.
Stock: 152-46366
A non-firing J.S. Boreham hammer, circa 1870
A beautiful 12-bore hammer gun, by John Squire Boreham. The action with fine foliate-scroll engraving, hammers ensuite to action, the barrels in Lockyer Bronze finish, with classic double-trigger and highly-figured walnut stock.
J.S. Boreham began his trade in Petty Curry, Cambridge in 1868 he moved residence twice, up until the business was taken over by K.D. Radcliffe in 1898.
Stock: 150-2270
A non-firing William Richards Sidelock, 1895 (Location: Nicholas Brawer Gallery, New York)
A non-firing William Richards Sidelock, 1895 (Location: Nicholas Brawer Gallery, New York)
A superb 12-bore sidelock, by William Richards, the action with best deluxe foliate-scroll engraving with ‘Wm. Richards’ engraved in an acanthus scroll, the highly ornate fences finely carved with leaf decoration, the top lever, top tang, underside and trigger guard also highly decorated with engraving, a classic double trigger and well figured walnut stock.
William Richards had several addresses over the years and this serial number equates to 1895. This period of 1870-1909 the business was located at 27 Old Hall Street, Liverpool.
Stock: 34-9485
A non-firing J.W. Spurrier & Co hammer, circa 1885 (On display with Hatchwell Antiques, London)
A non-firing J.W. Spurrier & Co hammer, circa 1885 (On display with Hatchwell Antiques, London)
A beautiful and antique 12-bore hammer, by J.W. Spurrier, the slight action beautifully engraved with bold foliate-scroll, the fences with bold foliate-scroll engraving throughout, the hammers also partially engraved, the barrels in Lockyer bronze finish, with classic double-trigger and well-figured walnut pistol-grip stock.
John Walter Spurrier was predominantly a silversmith operating in London in the late 19th century. He succeeded A.E. Spurrier and started trading at Wool Exchange that same year.
Stock: 27-3579
A non-firing Bozard & Co sidelock, 1875-1887 (On display with Hatchwell Antiques, London)
A non-firing Th. Rose, Diez hammer, 1883-1903
A spectacular Germanic 16-bore hammer, by Th. Rose, Diez, the action ornately engraved throughout with foliate-scroll and game scenes, with boar, hare and deer in gold, all set in natural surroundings, the hammers also engraved beautifully, the damascus barrels in their original gun metal grey finish with ornate gold and silver wire set decoration, with a Jones patent rotary underlever, classic double-trigger and well-figured walnut stock with ornate horn strap.
Theodor Rose, of Diez and Bonn worked from 1883-1903
Stock: 67-19949
A non-firing J.D. Dougall ‘Lockfast’ hammer, 1868-1870 (Location: California)
A stunning 12-bore hammer, by James Dalziel Dougall, the ‘Lockfast’ action with fine acanthus-scroll engraving, carved ornate fences with engraving ensuite to the action, the barrels with original steel finish engraved ‘J.D. Dougall Inventor and Patentee’ ,the delightful hammers of dolphin form, with classic double-trigger, with well-figured walnut stock.
James Dalziel Dougall was the name of a father and son team operating from the same business the father 1818-91 and the son 1846-96. It was this Lockfast model that is the most famous piece of work.
The barrels are engraved ‘J.D. Dougall Inventor and Patentee’ dating this gun between 1860-70, however the serial number narrows this down to 1868-1870
Stock: 47-2759
A non-firing Harkom & Son Hammer, 1886 (Location:California)
A magnificent 12-bore, by Harkom & Son, the brilliant action engraved delightfully with a game scene of a hunting dog and game birds in natural setting with multiple border engraving, the hammers handsomely engraved, with a Jones patent rotary under lever, the barrels finished in stunning original steel, with a classic double-trigger and well-figured walnut stock
Joseph Harkom was making guns in Edinburgh as early as 1840 in 31 West Register St, he then moved addresses several times over time. The business was amalgamated into John Dickson in 1938.
Stock: 57-2053
A non-firing Thomas Wild Sidelock, 1896 (Location: Lutwyche, New York)
A 12-bore sidelock, by Thomas Wild, the action with a handsome game scene, on one side a Pointer dog and on the other pheasant, both in natural setting, together with diamond lozenges of foliate-scroll engraving, the top lever and fences also ornately engraved, the barrels in original steel finish, with classic double-trigger and well figured walnut stock.
Thomas Wild is just one of the names that this business has carried over the years. The earliest was Benjamin Watson 1723-1777. Thomas Wild was the son-in-law of Benjamin Watson’s grandson.
Stock: 22-13093
A non-firing James Kirk, circa 1910
A non-firing James Kirk, circa 1910
A beautifully engraved boxlock, by James Kirk of Ayr, the action engraved with stunning bold acanthus scroll, with fences and toplever ensuite to action, the barrels polished in their original steel finish, with single-trigger and figured walnut-stock.
James Kirk traded at Union Buildings, 36, Smith Street, Ayr from 1900 to 1905 then at 46, Smith Street until around 1940 later moving to 25, Kyle Street then last known trading as James Kirk Tackle & Guns from 1984 to 1988.
Stock:109-20153
A non-firing D. Williamson Sidelock, 1904-1958
A non-firing D. Williamson Sidelock, 1904-1958
A 12-bore sidelock, by Dudley Williamson, the action with two charming game scenes, on both sides it depicts a Pointer dog flushing game birds, surrounded by fine acanthus leaf engraving and foliate-scroll, the fences with side clips and top tang also engraved with foliate-scroll, the trigger-guard beautifully engraved with a pair of hunting dogs, a classic double-trigger and well figured walnut stock.
Dudley Williamson is recorded to have been trading from 1820, which was based on Waterloo Road, London. The business is only recorded on Waterloo Road from 1906-1920. There is interesting reference to Dudley Williamson being a witness at the Old Bailey during a murder trail in 1909 by shooting. The defendant having purchased cartridges from Dudley Williamson.
The proof marks tell us that it was first proved in Birmingham post 1904 then reproofed in London.
Stock: 20-RN0716001CPH
A non-firing R. Wallis hammer, circa 1900
A 12-bore hammer, by Richard Wallis, the beautiful action with border and foliate-scroll engraving, the handsome tapering fences and hammers engraved ensuite to the action, with stunning Lockyer Bronze barrel finish, classic double-trigger and figured walnut stock.
Richard John Wallis was a London gunmaker operating from 3 Waterloo Road from 1892-1905. The original proof marks suggest 1887-1954, however we can narrow this down through the makers records and the dates of trading from the premises.
Stock: 44-RN01170LPH