doublegunshop.com - home Forums Thread Like Summary - Lesser name gun makers.

Looking at the upcoming Holt's Auctions and comparing a few guns with ones in my collection I have found I have fallen for several makers without knowing it. I have several examples of W. R. Pape's, J. Blanch and Joseph Lang and see several others in the upcoming auctions that I would love to add to my collection. All box locks and hammer guns. Guess I have never become a true side lock fan and still see box lock and hammer guns as great guns to own and shoot. The interesting thing is what a high quality they put out mid grade guns they are. I have found they are very well made and a real bargain.

For less than a grand, in many cases less than $500.00, you can buy an excellent gun by one of these three, where you would be lucky to buy a worn out major name maker's gun for less than a grand, several grand to be honest. I know most makers could make a gun to suit every buyer request, to what ever they were willing to pay for. My three favorites all seem to give quality on a fairly consistent basis and with better engraving than I expected. I wish I had not wasted so much time lusting for one of the big three names. I missed a lot of great values I am sure. Do you have a lesser known maker favorite like Dougall, Powell or Boswell? Who are your lesser known favorites.

There are some wonderful gunmakers lurking under the radar, as it were. One of my particular favorites is the firm of John Harper. There were three Harpers, Grand Father, Father and Son. All were immensely respected Birmingham gunmakers, respected not only by their Black Country peers, but also most tellingly by the best London makers.

In fact, Harpers made up many of the Robertson named Boss boxlock ejectors, the majority of Frederick Beesley's boxlocks, as well as those sold by Wilkes, Churchill, Woodwood and Pape.

Tim

I have always thought one gun maker who could be classed as as the largest ghost gunmaker of the British Victorian era who deserves a lot of credit is this one.



His locks and actions can be found on many top London and provincial manufacturers. so his name can appear on all of the Major gun parts, barrels actions and locks only having the so called maker of the gun name displayed on the top rub or the lock plates of the gun.
I have a "Adams" hammer gun with his name on the outside and Brazier's name on everything but the stock.
I feel that Brazier was content to play second fiddle as long as the was making a comfortable living ghost working.

I picked up a nice CS Rosson BLE out of Holt's not long ago, used it on Blues last fall with good results. I really like it, pretty gun, well made and I shoot it pretty well.

Better picture of my Rosson.

Certainly. They are not so unusual, however. I think I know the pigeon guns you are referring to, and I have momentarily forgotten their name. Very striking and different.

This is actually a Christchurch gun and quite plain. But it is very well made and fits me well. I also like the hammer design/layout.


This is the Paragon with a nice hidden third fastener