Just unpacked this old London marked 12g hammer double with side lever. Looks very old, maybe around 1870, rather unadorned but solidly built, and quite heavy; pistol grip with silver oval, 30'' barrels. I removed the cross key and found old Birmingham proofs and number 13 on each tube (bore size i think). Would appreciate any information on T. E. Yeld.
Kind regards,
Jani
Perhaps the reason no one has chimed in yet is because there is no gunmaker or gun worker recorded by that name, in London, Birmingham or elsewhere, in any of the usual references (Nigel Brown, Boothroyd, IGC Database etc.).
The UK Census data for 1881 lists a Thomas Edward Yeld, born in 1843 in Radnor (or Presteigne), Radnorshire, Wales, living at 22 Russell Terrace, Leamington (Leamington Spa), Warwickshire, with his mother (Georgina Todd) and a servant. His occupation is listed as a "Landed Proprietor". The 1891 census lists him visiting in St Asaph, Denbighshire (with his mother), and the 1901 Census lists him living in Brabourne, East Ashford (still with his mother). The trail runs cold after that.
Curiously, an American bookseller is currently offering a used copy of Ezekiel Baker's Remarks on Rifle Guns: being the result of Forty Years Practice and Observations. With Specific Remarks on Fowling Pieces. Eighth Edition, containing a printed name label of the previous owner, Thomas E. Yeld. So, Mr Yeld had an interest in shooting.
Could it be that the gun was inscribed not with a maker's name, but the owner? Or is the inscription worn or blurred, and is a different name altogether? If you were to post some pictures of the gun and its inscription, it might be possible to determine some additional information.
Thank you for the interesting input. Same inscription is engraved both on the rib and locks. It is small and faded but yesterday a visiting friend with younger eyes (and camera) confirmed the name. I should have asked him to take a few pictures but we were so taken by the enigmatic old gun that I forgot it, unfortunately. If nothing else it's not a bad feeling to own the World's only known gun by an ancient London 'maker'.
Kind regards,
Jani
I was looking at the address again today and under strong light 'London' turned to be rather LUDLOW.
So, my old double in engraved: Thomas E. Yeld, Ludlow.
With kind regards,
Jani