doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Thomas Horsley Gunmaker of York

I have recentley received a copy of David Bakers new book,"Thomas Horsley Gunmaker of York".This splendid,readable book covers the history of the company,technical details of Horsley,s guns and patents etc; backed up by a profusion of superb photographs. Those of us interested in English provincial Gun makers and development of the breech loader will find it of great interest.
It is worthy of note that the book also provides insight into the life and clientel of the Horsley family.
Copies are currently available on Ebay or they can be obtained direct from the author.

I like his guns and the fact that he felt that engraving hid his, the gunsmith or makers work. Hence many of his guns of very good quality have little or no engraving. He seemed to be more interested in function than frills and his lines are very pleasing to my eye.

Here are some photos of an absolutely fabulous Thomas Horsley 12 bore rifle I used to own. Can't say this one lacks engraving! This one was made in 1886.

http://www.rbsiii.com/collection/rifles/horsley_12/horsley_12.htm

Curl

CptCurl-

Nice gun. What purpose did the slots in action serve?

OWD

Curl:

Wow, what an absolutely lovely gun. Guess that was one provincial maker who'd figured out how to manufacture and finish a best gun.

Rem

That one and Charlie Rosson would be near top of my Provincial maker list.

Horsley was indeed a fabulous maker of guns. W Richards of Pocklington now owns the Horsley name but no guns have been made for some time. When the business ceased trading a lot of his gun making equipment was donated to York museum. They don’t keep it on display but you can ask for a private viewing.

Best provincial gunmaker? Harkom.

Derek
The Historic city of York

You said it was a gun you used to own, must have been a serious moment of madness to let such a beautiful thing go.

Hotrack

I don't really know. The same type of slots are typically seen on Alexander Henry rifles of the same period. I would assume the purpose is to lighten the rifle somewhat. This rifle weighs exactly 11 pounds.

Of course, the Jones action has no cuts for A&D cocking levers, so there is plenty of meat to play with in the bars.



Yeah, a moment of weakness just a year ago!

Curl

I guess he found one in better condition. Always upgrading, right?