A non-firing Henry Atkin Sidelock, 1903
A non-firing Henry Atkin Sidelock, 1903
A fine 12-bore sidelock, by Henry Atkin, described as ‘Best Quality’ in the makers records, the action with fine foliate-scroll engraving that expands throughout the action, further subtle engraving to the carved fences, top tang and top lever, the underside and trigger-guard also engraved, a classic double trigger and figured walnut stock.
The records show that the gun was made in 1903 and is recorded as being 12-Bore “Best quality, top lever, bar action sidelock ejector”.
Henry Atkin is thought to have been the first employee of Purdey in 1814. However it was Henry Atkin’s son also named Henry that opened this business in 1877 having apprenticed also under Purdey. The firm gained recognition and fame through these guns being used by the Hurlingham Club and Gun Club and this resulted in the business prospering.
Stock: 51-1578
A non-firing Midland Gun Co boxlock, 1904-25 (On display with De Jong Interieur in Eindhoven, Holland)
A non-firing Midland Gun Co boxlock, 1904-25 (On display with De Jong Interieur in Eindhoven, Holland)
A fine 12-bore boxlock, by Midland Gun Company, the beautifully engraved scallop-back action with deluxe foliate-scroll throughout, the fences and underside also engraved with this detail, the stock inset with two gold shield escutcheons on either side reading AS intertwined, the barrels striped back to their original steel finish, with classic double-trigger and well-figured walnut stock with interesting scrolled chequering.
Midland Gun Co’s first trading address was 76 Bath St, Birmingham where they were stationed from 1889-1894, however the company moved many times after this.
Stock: 24-16457
A non-firing Parker Field & Son hammer, Circa 1850 (Currently on display in Courchevel, France)
A non-firing Parker Field & Son hammer, Circa 1850 (Currently on display in Courchevel, France)
A 16-bore hammer, by Parker Field & Sons, the action with decorative border and acanthus-scroll engraving, with beautifully carved percussion fences and delightfully engraved hammers, wth classic double-trigger and an unusual teak stock with rope burn effect striping.
William Parker (1772-1841) gunmaker was succeeded by his son-in-law John Field and John’s sons John William Parker Field and William Shakespeare Field becoming Parker Field & Sons in 1841. They operated out of High Holborn then several other addresses. The business stopped trading in 1886.
Stock: 25-9195
A non-firing J.F. White Sidelock, 1883-1886
A non-firing J.F. White Sidelock, 1883-1886
A 12-bore sidelock, by John Frederick White, the action engraved throughout with bold foliate-scroll, with fences and top tang engraved ensuite to action, with lever cocking-indicator, push-forward underlever and classic double-trigger, with well-figured walnut stock.
John Frederick White was a regional gunmaker operating from Market Hill, Woodbridge, Suffolk in the late 19th century. He is recorded from 1883-86.
stock: 49-1915
A non-firing James Lang Sidelock, 17th July 1888 (Location: California)
A 12-bore sidelock, by James Lang, the bright plain action with some foliate-scroll engraving set in beautiful lozenges, together with some border engraving, the fences and underside carved ensuite to the action, with classic double trigger and well figured walnut stock.
The records for this gun clearly show the gun was completed on 17th July 1888. The makers original description of the gun states “Rogue Top Dolls” then signed by Osborne. Presumably an employee of James Lang at the time.
Stock: 53-10137
A non-firing Charles Boswell Boxlock, circa 1905
A non-firing Charles Boswell Boxlock, circa 1905
A 12-bore boxlock, by Charles Boswell, the action with beautiful deluxe bold foliate-scroll engraving with ‘Charles Boswell’ engraved within an acanthus scroll, the stunning tapering fences , top lever and top tang also engraved ensuite to the action, with the underside and trigger guard also delightfully engraved with deluxe foliate-scroll, the barrels polished in their original steel finish, a classic double trigger and highly figured semi pistol grip stock.
These records were originally thought to have been lost during the Second World War through bomb damage in 1940. However this was not the case and we can confirm that this gun was sold in 1905. Production could have been prior to this but with the proof marks, they show that the gun was originally proved post 1904.
Charles Osborne of Birmingham is first recorded in 1845. He built a good reputation and eventually opened London premises in 1881 together with Edinburgh and Glasgow offices
Stock: 5-14989
A non-firing J.D. Dougall hammer, circa 1880
A non-firing J.D. Dougall hammer, circa 1880
A beautiful 16-bore hammer, by J.D. Dougall, the polished action with some border and acanthus-scroll engraving, the hammers engraved ensuite to action, the barrels in Lockyer broke finish, with classic double-trigger finished in gold, 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.
Stock: 153-3818
A non-firing W.R. Pape boxlock, 1910
A non-firing W.R. Pape boxlock, 1910
A 12-bore boxlock, by W.R. Pape, the stunning bright action with border and acanthus scroll engraving, the fences with bold foliate motifs, the barrels polished in the original steel finish classic double-trigger and well-figured walnut stock.
William Rochester Pape stared trading in 1831 in Northumberland, however the gunmaking business didn’t get going until 1857. He invented the choke boring system that became a very competitive area. W.W. Greener went on to develop this system further. The business closed in 1940 after his son had taken over the reigns. During this time however, Pape’s inventive mind had developed several other gun Patents together with other areas of industry, not to mention railway carriage windows!
This sporting arm was built around 1910 however it was sold April 18th 1928 to an H. Darnley, Fulforth, Wilton Gilbert.
Stock: 50-11510
A non-firing Frederick Beesley ‘From Purdeys’ Sidelock, 1891
A non-firing Frederick Beesley ‘From Purdeys’ Sidelock, 1891
An early impressive 12-bore sidelock, by Frederick Beesley, the beautiful action with foliate-scroll engraving and ‘F. Beesley From Purdeys Patent’ in scroll banner, the carved ornate arcaded fences beautifully engraved ensuite to the action, with classic double-trigger and well-figure walnut stock.
Frederick Beesley (1846-1928) was a superb gunsmith and inventor. He is often described as ‘Inventor to the London Gun Trade’ due to his designs and patent that he sold to James Purdey in 1880, whom he used to work for. This design was undoubtedly his most famous. However he continued to design and sell patent’s to other makers throughout his career.
Stock: 23-1159
A non-firing McCririck & Son Boxlock, circa 1905
A non-firing McCririck & Son Boxlock, circa 1905
A stunning 12-bore boxlock, by McCririck & Son, the boxlock action emphatically engraved with beautiful acanthus and foliate-scroll, together with delicate blade borders and a gorgeous game scene of hound and fowl in natural setting, the fences also engraved ensuite, underside and trigger guard also engraved with foliate-scroll and game scene, with a classic double-trigger and figured walnut stock.
McCririck & Son first started trading in 1839 as James McCririck but split into two branches of Ayr and Kilmarnock. It was the Kilmarnock branch at 6 John Finnie St that this sporting arm was made as this was the trading name that it adopted. This dates the gun to circa 1905.
Stock: 60-7020
A non-firing John Dickson & Son Boxlock, 30th September 1924
A non-firing John Dickson & Son Boxlock, 30th September 1924
A fine 12-bore boxlock, by John Dickson & Son, the action exceptionally engraved with fine foliate-scroll, which extends to the beautifully carved fences, the top lever numbered ‘2’ in gold, the underside and trigger guard also engraved with delicate scroll, the barrels polished in their original steel finish, with a classic double-trigger, and well-figured walnut stock.
The makers have confirmed that this sporting arm was made on 30th September 1924 for a Mr A.G. Stewart.
John Dickson & Son (1794-1880) was an Edinburgh gunsmith that grew throughout the 19th century and eventually had two other makers assimilate into the business, T.E. Mortimer and J. Harkom. The last John Dickson running the business died in 1923. Over part of the 20th century other makers were acquired by John Dickson & Son, notably James McNaughton and Alex Martin.
The most famous customer of John Dickson was a Charles Gordon who, from 1875 to 1906 bought 225 guns. Many of which were never fired by the avid collector.
Stock: 12-6994
A non-firing W.W. Greener Boxlock, 1880
A non-firing W.W. Greener Boxlock, 1880
A 12-bore boxlock, by W.W. Greener, the action beautifully engraved with foliate-scroll and ‘W.W Greener’ engraved within an acanthus scroll, carved ornate fences also with foliate-scroll, the typical Greener side safety revealing ‘Safe’ in gold, this classic Greener feature makes the Greener action stand out from the rest, with a classic double-trigger and well-figured stock.
The Greener business began in 1829 when William Greener left Manton gunsmith and set up on his own in Newcastle. When breechloading arms were invented, his son William Wellington Greener saw this as the future and split from his father and set up in 1855 eventually moving to London. This sporting arm featured here was a product of William Wellington Greener (W.W. Greener). This Facile Princeps model with its side-safety was his most famous work.
Stock: 52-20348