Midland Gun Company in their List No. 2, 66th Edition in 1937 lists a "Made In England" ".410 Bore Double Folding Gun Skeleton or Solid Stock" as "No. 8245. proved(proofed??) for 2in. and 21/2in. Cases" with a weight of 4 1/2 lbs, tube length of 28 inches and overall length of 43 1/2 inches. The poachers gun has the same pin configuration, hammers, firing pin retention screw, etc. as well as a "Spring Stop for Folding" in the knuckle. Here's the verbiage:
"These interesting, handy little weapons can be put to innumerable uses. For the Garden, the Orchard and the Farm they will be found invaluable. Everybody can use them, from the juvenile to the sportsman of experience. They are well made guns built for hard work, taking both the 2in. and 21/2in. cartridges. First-class British manufacture. SPECIAL: These guns can be chambered and proved for 3 in. cartridges extra."
On the following page 33 the phrase: "The Guns of This Page are NOT English Make."
No. 8245F-Steel barrels looks to be the same but more than likely made in Belgium. Same specs as No. 8245. I'll see if I can successfully scan the pages. I wonder if the "F" is for foreign.
Here's the prices to compare
Pounds s. d.
4 5 0 - 8245 Skeleton
4 2 6 - 8245 Solid
3 15 0 - 8245F Skeleton
3 12 6 - 8245F Solid
Kind Regards,
Raimey
rse
