doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Sportarms “Hussey”?

Here is one of my Hussey collection, slightly unusual, I know!

You may be surprised to know I don't shoot this one ...

Tim

My HJH Imperial. (sorry for the quality of the photo)

Tim,

What is the back story of this one?

JDG

Hi Jay,

It was a clunker at an Holts auction a few years ago, being sold off as parts, since the barrels were pitted and thin. Here is their catalogue description: "THE MAJOR PARTS OF A HUSSEY LTD. 12-BORE SIDELOCK EJECTOR, serial no. 12003, circa 1905, pitted and thin barrels, stock smashed through at hand. Border engraved plain action, gold safety. No oval on stock. Barrels marked “The Times” Hussey Ltd. 88 Jermyn St. London SW."

I bought it for not at all much and decided to make it into a skeleton display gun, as much as I could whilst retaining it on my shotgun certificate and keeping within the UK law. So I am not able to severely shorten the barrels and slice through them to show chamber, forcing cone and construction, which is what I would like to do. Neither can I slice through the action to show more of it.

It was fun doing it as far as it went, but I still am obliged to keep it locked up in my gun cabinet, so I am unable to marvel at Hussey's workmanship, though I do keep one lock on my desk.

Tim

Thanks, Tim. It's too bad you could not “slice” one of the barrels lengthwise to give a good perspective on barrel architecture and what pitting looks like.

I hoped that Sportarms' “Hussey” endeavor would generate new interest in HJ’s guns, but I see nothing unique or appealing thus far. I imagine only a few will be made, and they will be novelties that will be forgotten in a few years.

I agree with you there. They would likely be better off selling them under their own brand!

My Imperial, 14219 and No 1 of a pair, at rest:

Tim

And below my nice wee Lang & Hussey rook rifle, now bored out to .410. My research has lead me to believe that HJ was working at James Lang from 1889, as manager in charge of the small gunmaking team there. All James Lang and Lang & Hussey guns were likely built under HJ's direction.

There is no doubt that he consistently turned out guns that were very well made to best London standards, certainly the Imperials.

Tim

William Powell carried out a similar exercise a few years back. Spanish made and proofed guns and branded as William Powell shotguns, to give the impression of "English". What's the point, European guns with British name?
I understand the latest reincarnation of Churchill's also started using foreign guns, again branded Churchill.
They are all most likely decent guns,at the price, but rather sad to see.
Regards