doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Birmingham Gun Makers

Considering buying a copy of Birmingham Gun Makers by Douglas Tate. Anyone have feedback as to the information covered in this book and if it’s a good reference for buying English side by sides?

It is more of a reference guide to the various Makers not covered in his first book which was about London Makers. It covers Birmingham and the rest of the Country outside London. There is also a third volume which covers those missed out. The lists are not exhaustive and there are some not listed. Not all were Makers as such and many were just retailers. Details listed are about the name, address of business and changes of address and dates in business. Invaluable when researching Makers' history but little value on buying. In some cases there is a brief history of the business which goes into more detail and, where known, some of the serial numbers and dates. Hope that clarifies. Lagopus.....

What information are you trying to find out? As lagopus states above, it is more a brief sketch of some of the Birmingham makers. Terry Wieland’s book on Vintage British Shotguns (2008) is a better guide on some of the London and Birmingham makers. Jack Rowe and George Caswell provide their thoughts on each of the makers covered.

Ken

Lagopus, I think you are describing Nigel Brown’s 3 Volume work, British Gunmakers.

The single volume Douglas Tate book is excellent on Birmingham gunmakers. I was very lucky and treated myself to a remaindered copy at the Game Fair some years ago for a fraction of the price now being asked for second hand copies (which in itself speaks for the desirability of the book.

One of the best guides for a purchaser is Diggory Haydoke’s British Boxlocks.

You need to remember that the Birmingham makers each produced guns in various grades, and whilst the lowest grades were almost always sound purchases at that price point they will not compare with the same makers better offerings .

I know Doug and have shot with him in the UK. He knows a lot about shotguns, and I've found his book on Birmingham makers to be a valuable resource. A number of years ago, before I met him, he and a partner had a business importing and selling British doubles. I saw and handled a number of the guns they imported. Bought a couple. They were accurately described and worked out well for me.

He currently writes for Shooting Sportsman magazine.

I have a copy, nice enough book. As to buying it, it depends on the price. Amazon has a copy at $40.00. For that price it's worth it, but I certainly don't consider it a "Complete Overview".

It is what it was written to accomplish, an excellent history of a few of the Birmingham gunmakers and an overview history of the Birmingham Gun Quarter.

Parabola, apologies for the oversight; I must get these glasses changed! I have a copy of Douglas Tate's book and can recommend it. Lagopus.....

Thanks to all for your excellent knowledge. Will be ordering a copy.