I don't think that the skill was lacking from what I have seen over the years. I think that very few quality hammer guns were made after about 1885 and with Midland Gun Co. coming in a bit late there was no market for high quality hammer guns but still a strong market for workaday HG's for the Farmer, Gamekeeper and Sportsman of more limited means. They could turn out some first class stuff when they wanted. Lagopus.....