Is anyone familiar with this British maker? I am looking at a SLE bearing their name. From the pictures and what the dealer tells me the quality appears good, though definitely not best (not stocked to the fences, unsculpted fences, lump through bottom plate).

To the best of my knowlege, the Linsleys were merchants. I see no Linsley patents. Some years ago I saw and bid on a pair of Linsley sidelocks that were dead ringers for turn of the century Holland Royals. Since then I have seen Linsley marked guns of all styles and quality. There serial number/year list is in Nigel Brown's British Gunmakers, Vol. 2.

Linsley marked guns show up from time to time and are of various original quality grades; no surprise as most makers/vendors sold a range of OQ to suit the purpose and wallet of as wide a range of customers as they could attract. What are you hoping to learn from the name?

Brit guns are generally very honest as to being what they originally appeared to be. The maker's/vendor's name on the gun tells you little as to original quality and nothing as to current condition.

Having not seen the name in Terry Wieland's book, nor mention of them elsewhere, I suspected they might be merchants and not makers. Thanks for confirming that.

Here is a picture of the gun in question:

Linsley Bros Leeds 1780-1993[?]. The name was taken on and run by a Barrington Davis from Harrogate ,for how long I dont know and I believe they have now ceased trading. Seen a fair few guns of various quality most mid range but did see one that was probably made by Boss [Robertson's] as it was indistinguishable apart from name.They had a lot of light weight guns made,I dont think they ever produced gun themselves certainly non after breech loaders came into being ,like most provincial gunmakers but I did understand they had workshop and gunsmiths in the past.
Boothroyd gives some history.