GregSY:
I'm sure you're a fine fellow and only trying to contribute your heartfelt insights here. And I do not wish to initiate a repartee. But I regret to say, you miss my point: ALL of the great names were "unknowns" at one time. And to diminish an obviously fine gun and its makers by brand conceit is unfair to the these men and the apparent work that went into this piece.
In fact, I own more than a few guns by "BV3" makers that I would put up against certain of the BV1 guns for workmanship, grace and overall elegance. Beauty is still in the eye of the beholder, I believe. And so is the choice to buy or not.
Oh yes. It's highly probable that any buyer of this gun would also be able to talk with the maker's contemporary customers -- or the craftsmen themselves. Just like Manton's clients could... when he was an unknown.
With all deference to your wisdom,
Kensal
