doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Williams and Powell

Hi all, anyone have any info regarding this maker and their guns?

Thanks!!

Greg

Thomas Williams & Samuel Powell bought the business of Mrs Ann Patrick(formerly Edward Patrick and before that Jeremiah Patrick) at 10 Pool Lane, Liverpool, in 1833.

In 1834 they moved the business to 13 South Castle Street, and in 1837 they moved to 29 South Castle Street.

In 1846 the partnership ended, but which of the partners left, retired or died is not known, the firm continued to be known as Williams & Powell.

In 1860 the firm moved to 25 South Castle Street.

In about 1870 the firm were appointed Gunmakers to HRH the Duke of Gloucester. From 1870 to about 1874 the firm's principal address was 5 Thomas Street but they retained 25 South Castle Street.

By 1891 the firm had returned to 25 South Castle Street but in about 1890 they took additional premises at 48 Oldhall Street where they operated as wholesale and retail merchants and exporters, these premises were given up in about 1894. By 1896 the firm were recorded only as gun and cartridge makers at 27 South Castle Street.

In 1905 they sold the business to Westley Richards (of the firm of W Richards, not Westley Richards & Co) but the name did not change.

In 1909 they were recorded as gun makers at Phoenix Chambers, as was W Richards.

Some early guns were proved in London, no London address found.

The firm sold Kynoch Patent Grouse Ejector cartridges under their own name, they also sold cartridges under the names the "Castle" and "Express Sixteen" (post 1900).

Pete

Greg, all of the Williams & Powell guns I have inspected have been of high quality. The one I own is incredibly well built. I guess their name has drifted into oblivion since they were based in Liverpool and ceased production fairly early. All company records were destroyed in WWII during the blitz.



This ad from about 1835:


And another from the mid-1870's:

Thanks guys, just what I was looking for!! I appreciate the info!

All the best!!

Greg

The name is now owned by this company who may have further information although I do know that he does not have the records. Lagopus..... http://www.wrichardsguns.co.uk/index.shtml

I always wondered whether these chaps were trying to do what W Richards also of Liverpool did, i.e. William AND Powell is very easily confused with William Powell of Birmingham, a best (in the true sense) maker. I think their older sidelocks are some of the best bargains in the world. And W. Richards I am sure many take for Westley Richards.....a coincidence ?

Joe,
That HammerGun is getting Prettier by the year.
Do you shoot her much?
Franc

Franc, to tell the truth, I do shoot it a little on those days when the sun is bright, etc. It's just too "minty" to use much. And I have other nice hammerguns that are more workhorses than collectors....

No, W.Richards are W.Richards with no intent to deceive as were Williams & Powell. Both good honest gunmakers. The ones to watch for are the Belgian made W.Richards guns as they were meant to deceive the unwary. Lagopus.....

An 1875 view of Castle Street where Williams and Powell had their shop. J. Sewill's watch and chronometer shop on the right side was #61 Castle Street so the gun shop was probably at the distant end of the block, also on the right side. The Liverpool town hall is in the distance and still stands. The Williams and Powell establishment must have been fairly prosperous to have had their shop on this street. Castle Street was the center of Liverpool's financial and mercantile district and is among the oldest streets in the city.