I have recently searched the historical database for 2 gunmakers based in Derby called Dobson & Rosson and Rosson of Derby.
The search shows up quite a lot of information about Dobson & Rosson at 4 Market Head, Derby and the text suggests that the Internet Gun Club has some unpublished information about serial numbers for Rosson shotguns and rifles.
I have very recently acquired 2 Rosson’s as follows:
The first is a single barrel, ex-rook & rabbit rifle converted to a .410 shotgun with serial number 1697. This one is engraved with ‘C. Rosson, 4 Market Head, Derby‘.
The second is a side-by-side, boxlock shotgun with Damascus barrels serial number 2111. This one is engraved with ‘Charles Rosson, 4 Market Head, Derby.
From my own research using the Birmingham proof and reproof marks, I reckon that both date from between 1887 to 1896 but I can’t be absolutely sure.
I would be very interested to know if any serial number information is available for either of these 2 Rosson’s.
Serial Number information for Rossons of Derby
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Barry Gregory 440
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Tue Nov 05, 2019 3:24 pm
Re: Serial Number information for Rossons of Derby
Hi Barry,
The only serial number records relate to Norfolk. No numbers are recorded for Derby, so we can't help at all other than to say that the boxlock shotgun was probably made by Charles Rosson and the Rook & Rabbit rifle was made by the Birmingham trade. The shotgun would be very interesting if it was made to Rosson's patent.
The only serial number records relate to Norfolk. No numbers are recorded for Derby, so we can't help at all other than to say that the boxlock shotgun was probably made by Charles Rosson and the Rook & Rabbit rifle was made by the Birmingham trade. The shotgun would be very interesting if it was made to Rosson's patent.
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Barry Gregory 440
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Tue Nov 05, 2019 3:24 pm
Re: Serial Number information for Rossons of Derby
John39,
Thanks for your posted reply. Frustrated as ever that there are no serial number records available for Rosson of Derby.
With regard to your comment about Rosson’s patent, I’m assuming you mean Patent 15,313 of 1889. I’ve looked it up in Vol 2 of Crudgington & Baker, Page 210. For boxlocks it appears to be a novel ejector mechanism using coil springs.
It looks like I’m out of luck again because in my brief description in the original post I omitted to include that the boxlock is a non-ejector.
That said, I’ve recently used both the .410 ex-root & rabbit rifle and the 12-bore boxlock to shoot some clays and both work very well. Amazing when you think that they are both around 130 years old.
Thanks again for your feedback.
Thanks for your posted reply. Frustrated as ever that there are no serial number records available for Rosson of Derby.
With regard to your comment about Rosson’s patent, I’m assuming you mean Patent 15,313 of 1889. I’ve looked it up in Vol 2 of Crudgington & Baker, Page 210. For boxlocks it appears to be a novel ejector mechanism using coil springs.
It looks like I’m out of luck again because in my brief description in the original post I omitted to include that the boxlock is a non-ejector.
That said, I’ve recently used both the .410 ex-root & rabbit rifle and the 12-bore boxlock to shoot some clays and both work very well. Amazing when you think that they are both around 130 years old.
Thanks again for your feedback.