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Forums10
Topics38,466
Posts545,093
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Most Online1,258
Mar 29th, 2024
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8 |
I own a T. Kilby shotgun with T. Kilby on the barrel and action. Thomas Kilby was a reknown barrel maker from Birmingham, England. This shotgun has Birmingham England proof marks and was manufactured circa 1898.It has very intrigate engraving and wood carvings. It has been suggested that T. Kilby only made the barrel and action with the engraving and carvings done in either in Germany or France. Wm. Donn chicago, Illinois in engraved on the rib. It is my understanding the Donn Brothers William and James were custom gun makers from Illinois. They may have been the order taker for this custom fit shotgun with Kilby and others being subs.I am looking for information about this firm. Can anyone help me out? I would post photos if I knew how to do it.
John Grimm
Last edited by grimm; 02/23/09 09:32 AM.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,417 Likes: 313
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,417 Likes: 313 |
 English Best 3 Iron 'Turkish' 
Last edited by revdocdrew; 02/19/09 10:16 AM.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598 |
James Donn was active from 1859-1900. He died in 1911. He is listed as active in Canton, IL 1859-1886, Peoria 1886-1893. James Donn & brother 1878-1886 and Peoria Model works 1890-1893.
I am sure some one will have more info...
Pete
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,784 Likes: 185
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,784 Likes: 185 |
Just from the 2 pics the embellishment looks a little more French than German. Does it have a full set of Birmingham marks or was it purchased "in the white" from T. Kilby?
Kind Regards,
Raimey
rse
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,815 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,815 Likes: 4 |
Last edited by Stallones; 02/19/09 08:53 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743 |
As an aside the 1889 Lefver Arms Co catalog lists bbl choice for the "Optimus" grade as Whitworth Fluid Steel or Kilby. By 1892 the reading had been changed to "Highest Grade Hard English Damascus". This may well have included Kilby, but did not limit it to that maker.
Miller/TN
I Didn't Say Everything I Said, Yogi Berra
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,417 Likes: 313
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,417 Likes: 313 |
Interesting Miller. Here's a Lefever AA with "Finest A-1 Quality Silver Steel Damascus Highest Proof" with very similar English Best Three Iron. I'm thinking the marketing guys came up with that one  
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,881
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,881 |
A Donn that was or is owned by a member of this forum. 
MP Sadly Deceased as of 2/17/2014
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,881
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,881 |
MP Sadly Deceased as of 2/17/2014
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,574 Likes: 87
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,574 Likes: 87 |
I don't care who made it that's one very fine gun. Congrats.
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