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Forums10
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Apr 27th, 2024
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,737
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,737 |
OK, I have a William Evans 12 bore from 1897, action by W C Scott. Who was likely to have made the beautiful (black & & white damascus) barrels?
Any clues on what to look for on the barrels themselves?
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,271 Likes: 202
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,271 Likes: 202 |
Some higher end barrels are marked K or Kilby. Not sure if Scott used other, though.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,964 Likes: 89
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,964 Likes: 89 |
At the time you're gun was made almost all barrels were being sourced from Belgium. Scott would have been no exception.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,544
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,544 |
Marshall of Wednesbury provided a lot of barrel tubes but there were others in the Black Country. I think 'almost all' is a bit strong. Birmingham tubes were still very much in evidence.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,737
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,737 |
Well, Daryl, I can't find a K. The only odd mark on the barrels I can find is 7D.
Whether or not this sidelock is "Best" or not is not for me to say, but whoever did stike the barrels, British or Belgian, did a beautiful job.
Thanks for the added information, Dig. As always, your contribution is interesting and educational.
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,528 Likes: 80
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,528 Likes: 80 |
Read the report written by Mr Thomas Webley and Mr Smith Casson manager of the Earl of Dudley's Round Oaks Iron Works cira 1880 .Reprinted in Akehurst's "Game Guns and Rifles" Mr Webley was not too impressed with the quality of Belgian made damascus of the time .
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,544
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,544 |
Gunman is right about the quality control variations in the UK and Belgium regarding barrel making. The report he quotes noted that the Belgians aimed for fine figure and were not much interested in strength. The English barrels were often less figured but stronger. this was corroborated by tests done with available barrel tubes by the Birmingham proof house. English barrels, even cheap ones scored high in comparison with even the best and most expensive Belgian tubes. However, Belgian tubes were certainly widely used by all the gunmakers of the time, including Purdey. They were clearly serviceable and the distinction now is largely academic.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86 |
Can you or anyone supply proof that Purdey or W.C. Scott ever used Belgium made barrels ?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86 |
At the time you're gun was made almost all barrels were being sourced from Belgium. Scott would have been no exception. I think 'almost all' is a bit strong. Way over the top. (Someone show Joe the picture of W.& C. Scotts very large gun factory).
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,544
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,544 |
BTW, not that Belgium supplied tubes, not barrels. Quite different things!
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