A family by the name of Thomson were armourers in Edinburgh from about 1600 to 1700.
Alexander Thomson established his business in 1820 at 3 Drummond Street, Edinburgh, he was appointed "Gunmaker to His Majesty" (King George IV) in 1828.
George Thomson (father of Alexander?) established his business as a gun lock maker in 1819 at 4 Arthur Place, Edinburgh. In 1822 he moved to 16 Union Place as a gunmaker. In 1828 he too was appointed "Gunmaker to His Majesty" (King George IV).
George Thomson retired or died in 1832 and Alexander Thomson took over the business and the premises.
Alexander moved to George Thomson's address at 16 Union Place.
In 1840 and 1841 additional premises were taken at 3 South St Andrew Street.
In 1869 the name of the firm changed to Alexander Thomson & Son and they moved to 95 Princes Street. In 1876 they moved to 3 Hanover Street. They closed in about 1881.
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