If I was to buy an English 'Best' I would expect it to be made in British workshops having an affiliation and employing craftsmen.Otherwise I would source the provider and pay them direct.I respect craftsmanship no matter what nationality provides it but I hate profiteering with a passion.
This subject is very difficult to address, for instance the H&H O/U bears more than a passing resemblance to a Perrazi or Gamba! so I would have a gun made by Perrazi probably of their SO series.William Powell clearly states their guns of the lower quality are made in Spain and finished in B'ham.British sold AYA's are finished in the UK.Walnut is sourced in France, Portugal, Turkey, California, but it is cut and shaped here in Britain.The Steel industry is practically all based in India.Colour hardening cannot be traditionally done in Italy because of legislation connected with Animal Rights, so all your quality Beretta's, Perrazi's, etc., if they want colour hardening send them to Ray St.Leger here in B'ham.I think it is all a matter of how much outsourcing is done.
For instance we now have Webley & Scott wholely produced in Turkey & Italy, even Proofed in Italy bearing the legend 'Webley & Scott' then in smaller print 'of England'.To me that is rude.
Hold on to your hats for a whirlwind tour of 'Joseph Manton of Disneyland'
