I don't think that the skill was lacking from what I have seen over the years. I know of no way to determine if their best work was done in-house or out-house. I think that very few quality hammer guns were made after about 1885 and with Midland Gun Co. coming in a bit late there was no market for high quality hammer guns but still a strong market for workaday HG's for the Farmer, Gamekeeper and Sportsman of more limited means. They could turn out some first class stuff when they wanted. I'd say when they could find a market for it. Best work from Midland is as best work as anyone else's best work. Lagopus.....
