doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com New toy - some questions

Hello Gentlemen,

Just acquired this sweet little Bland 20ga SLNE with 30" damascus barrels.

I'm a bit rusty on proof marks (too much time with American guns)

Looking for some comments:

- approximate DOM

- appropriate preasure level (I shoot low preasure 16's)

- anybody refurbish or alter these old cases? A few pointers please. How do you remove the damaged baize? What glue to replace it?

- Any insight on enameled crest on compartment handle?

Thanks

Mark

My guess is Birmingham proof 1896 - 1904 although I think there should be some more marks - the scroll BP with crown over.
Nice little gun.
John

MArk,

Nice gun,

For the case you could call:
"Vern Brinkerhoff
Email vbrinkerhoff@sbcglobal.net
Phone 916.408.0663

English gun case relining and restoration. Best English wool baize and leather. Many cases for sale. Collector of Pape and Powell shotguns."

He is a member of our CA Side by Side Society

Jerry

The baize looks fine to me. Like a used gun should.

You can try Mike Messina down in NY. He may still be doing it. 516-794-1979

Thomas Bland (est. 1827), 41 Whittall St., B'ham 1862-66, 41/43 Whittall St. 1867-72, Thomas Bland & Sons s.a. 1872-circa 1922, also in London from 1875 & Liverpool in the 1880's. London business moved to U.S.A. in 1989. (British Gunmakers / Vol II, Brown) Look at the top rib address to get an idea of year of manufacture) BTW NICE GUN & CASE, I would not redo. JMHO

Best Regards, George

I've got one of these, brilliant little gun, just like yours. Nice find! More pictures of the lock plates please

Nice toy. Would love to see a picture of the damascus pattern.

I will take a SWAG that the Heraldic Crest/Shield is for a high cast Indian from during the RAJ. It would be interesting to see who it had been delivered to. Perhaps Woodcock Hill in Pa would have the factory records since they own Bland.

FWIW.

Mark:
A wonderful Bland! Please do nothing to the case other than a good application of Pecard. And I would try to track that crest. Good chance it is East Indian.

Best, Kensal

Mark: I wouldn't do anything with the case either; possibly the straps if they get badly cracked. I agree with Oldfarmer on the dates. The 13 indicates it left the factory with bores of approx. .626", left one had some choke, can't see the right one.