A bit about Ansell from the Internet Gun Club.
William Ansell was only recorded from 1870 but on 14 January 1865 he registered patent No 124 for a barrel locking stud for a drop-down action. This was probably when he established his business. He was recorded in 1870 at 35 Fisher Street.
An A Ansell (mis-print?) took out patent No. 825 on 28 March 1871 for a thumb operated barrel locking bolt, but whether he was related or worked with William is unknown. On 2 May 1871 William Ansell patented a barrel locking spring operated bolt in the top rib (patent No. 1174).
In 1872 the firm changed its name to William Ansell & Co. In this year William Ansell patented a barrel bolting mechanism (No. 2349) which referred to 1174/1871 and was used by Holland & Holland, amongst others.
In 1875 patent No.1756 was taken out for a cocking mechanism, and in 1876 a further patent for a safety catch (No. 4513).
In 1879 several safety catches were covered under patent No. 907. In 1882 patent No.4089 covered more safety catches, modifications were made together with J Deeley (of Westley Richards) under patent No.1833 of 1883.
In 1884 extractors were covered under patent No.15299, more extractors and ejectors were patented under No.7274 of 1888.
The firm appears to have closed at some time after 1888.
See C A Ansell of Bloemfontein, South Africa who was probably related.
