This is from the IGC database:
Charles Playfair was born in Perth, Scotland in 1799. He was apprenticed as a gun maker (where is unknown) and in 1821 went on to establish his business as a gun maker and fishing tackle manufacturer at 56 Union Street, Aberdeen.
In 1823 his son, also named Charles Playfair, was born.
In 1825 the firm moved to 94 Union Street.
In 1841 Charles Playfair was elected Deacon of the Incorporation of hammermen.
In 1845 the firm moved to 70 Union Street, and Charles (Jnr) moved to Birmingham to go into partnership with Thomas Bentley.
In 1860 the firm moved to 138 Union Street (it seems the street was re-named Union Bridge at some time), by this time they held a Royal appointment to Prince Albert.
In 1875/76 the firm changed its name to Charles Playfair & Co.
Charles Playfair (Snr) died in 1876, and the company was bought by Robb (no further details).
In 1882 the company moved to 142 Union Street, and in 1925 to 18 Union Terrace with additional premises at 18 Diamond Street, the Union Terrace shop selling guns and the Diamond Street shop selling fishing tackle and other sports goods.
In 1955 the company was taken over by William Garden Ltd of 216 Union Street (who were taken over by John Dickson in 1968).
Pete
