I've got one. It's a tough one. It appears that F A Loomis was probably a Folsom Trade Name. Anyone with different info, please jump in. I've identified over seventeen different models, usually beginning with "IXL", (but not always) followed by a number. This includes both Back, as well as Bar-Action hammer guns. Generally, they were medium grade Birmingham guns, pre-1890 McKinley Tariff. Most have at least some engraving, with other's engraving being fairly extensive. Most I've seen that had identifiable barrels were Damascus, but much of the time I wasn't able to see a close-up of the pattern. Mine has nice, although slightly mis-matched patterns. Probably originally finished in Black & White.
As far as to who actually made the guns, I've not been able to confirm anything. I've found speculation about J P Clayborough, F Williams, as well as others. I've seen an F Williams gun that was a dead ringer for mine, excepting the engraving contained in the circle where the model number is. In reality, they may have been made by several companies over time, no hard information about them has surfaced yet.
Bottom line, they were well made typical Birmingham guns produced for the American trade. I haven't seen the Belgian one's but it wouldn't surprise me that post-1890 Folsom switched to Belgium to maintain the same price point.
Last edited by Ken61; 05/19/15 09:23 PM.
