IGC - Forum

Hi James, This gun was proved in London but that doesn’t mean it was made there but it may have been. Many wealthy individuals going to India and Africa bought guns at the last minute – in case they had to defend themselves against lions, tigers and elephants. Patstone had a good reputation although...

Serial number enquiry:

Do you have information for a John Patstone, Southampton
.577 Express Double Rifle serial #1935

Should be on or after 1878?

Thanks so much and best regards,

We can't access the photos but the scrolled "R" might indicate reproof which may have happened in London, possibly after the muzzle was changed. The London proof is interesting if it is the original proof (which is likely) because almost all rook and rabbit rifles were made and proved in B...

Extract from our historical database: Trade: Barrel makers & riflers Dates: 1862-1920 Notes: Arthur Adams and Joseph Tait established their business in 1862 at 46 Price Street. The firm moved in 1864 to 1 Price Street, and in 1865 to 1 New Buildings, Price Street. Up to 1871 they rifled barrels ...

As far as we know, no records of the Derby business survived and info on early Rosson numbers (below 4000) in non-existent. The rifle would have been made in Birmingham, possibly by Rosson's father but more likely by another Birmingham maker. Can't help with the calibre either!

John

Hi Robert,

We don't record him but we've found him in a German reference book:

W Collath, Frankfurt an der Order, Preussen/D, ca 1880.

We don't speak German! No more info, probably worked for a larger firm then set up in his own possibly in retirement.

I would like to get some info on a Collath shotgun that belonged to my wife's grandfather

Mis described? Miss is spelt with two ss! I expect some young chick described it! I wish I had your luck, it does seem to be a heavy load, get someone else to test fire it!

Hi Kirk,

What you say above is a very worth-while addition to the info on Dougall Lockfast guns. Thank you very much from me and other readers of this post.

From 1 June 1939 to 28 October 1941 The ministry of Supply (MOS) bought about 70 Winchester bolt action Model 67 and 69 shotguns and a small number of 22g (presumably .22) Cooey rifles. This is a very small number but of course there were other suppliers. What surprised me is that from August to Dec...