Yes, it was published in 1938 and I quote from it (sorry, going OT here):
"Here is an amusing skit on the principle British gunmakers of a generation or two ago. After this lapse of time we are unable to say who wrote it or where it originally appeared:
THE BATTLE OF THE GUNS
There's no occasion to be wordy.
My gun the gun said Mr Purdey.
No gun but mine is worth a toss!
Thus spoke the valiant Mr Boss.
You may in your armchair loll and
Shoot with mine quoth Mr Holland.
Find me a gun like mine! You cant!
Thus up and spoke bold Mr Grant.
Just try my gun! Now that's your style, eh?
Remarked irreverent Mr Reilly.
My gun will make you play 'Go bang',
And give you game! punned Mr Lang.
A good gun needs not note of bugle!
Observed sententious Mr Dougall.
No gun could neater be, or cleaner,
Than mine is! pleaded Mr Greener.
On my guns fame no rival can cast a
Slur! quoth worthy Mr Lancaster.
No gun can beat our gun we say!
Thus proudly Messrs Moore and Grey.
Oh, not for worlds would I speak coarsely;
But some folks fib! sighed Mr Hoarsley.
Prevent your shoulder getting kicks on,
And use my gun! cried Mr Dickson.
All sportsmen have for mine a good word!
Rejoined discreetly Mr Woodward.
On better barrels never shone sun
Than mine! quoth modest Mt Johnson.
No other gun has got a leg
To stand on! boasted Mr Egg.
The best of guns (to say it I glad am)'s
Mine! said honest Mr Adams.
My gun is the best gun, confess'dly!
Adjudged great Mr Richards (Westley).
(To find a word on which to pitch hard's
For a rhyme with Westley Richards.)
Well, no-one said it was good!
Tim
