British Sporting Firearms Articles

Frederick Barnes & Co.

Frederick Barnes & Co. Gunmaker, London - 1825 to 1865 The established business of Frederick Barnes, is not well known for its contribution to the Victorian Sporting game gun. However, there have been a number of surviving guns bearing the Barnes name, including Shotguns, Muskets, Rifles, and Pistols. The period of gun-making and manufacturing took place between 1825 and 1865.

Reverend Alexander John Forsyth

Reverend Alexander John Forsyth Inventor of the Percussion Lock Alexander John Forsyth (1768-1843) was the Presbyterian church minister of Belhelvie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, from 1791 to 1843. The Reverend is highly regarded, for his inquisitive mind, the invention of the percussion lock, and the high quality of his work.

Westley Richards - 1858 - Presentation Gun

Westley Richards Muzzle Loader Conversion – 1858 Looking at another quality made British Vintage gun, and then something interesting catches your eye ! – A plaque in-let to the right hand side of the stock, which reads – Presented to John Sidebotham by the late Lord Newton “Jan. 1899”.

Westley Richards – Muzzle Loader – Pair

The Westley Richards guns in this article, built in 1853 were at the very pinnacle of the Muzzle loader era, however, and interestingly during 1853 / 1854 is when Joseph Lang’s Breech-loading Pinfire game gun emerged, was in production, and being promoted, as the start of the British breech-loading story had begun.

Westley Richards - 1848

Westley Richards - 14 bore Muzzle-loader, conversion to Breech-loader

Cox and Clarke - Southampton

Cox and Clarke - Southampton The Practical Gunmakers This big bore Wildfowl gun started life as a muzzle loader over 175 years ago. The gun has no name, other than an inscription on the top of the barrel, that reads; Converted by Cox and Clarke the Practical Gunmakers - 28 High Street Southampton.