Pete,A great post! In the mid 1970,s I was privileged to spend best part of a week in the W.&C.Scott,works on Tame Road, Birmingham.At that time Scotts were introducing C.N.C. machining into their manufacturing process,I think that this was a first in the British sporting gun trade. I understand that the machine tools employed were eventually transfered to H&H London and became the starting point for the implementation of C.N.C. machining at Hollands.
At the time of my visit, Scott,s were making guns for others.Seen in progress were guns for H&H and believe it or not, boxlocks for Canada,s much maligned, Frank E Malin!
According to P.G.Whatley,Managing director,Scotts biggest challenge at that time was to obtain London prices for Birmingham made guns!
Their guns named,Blenheim,Chatsworth,Bowood & Kinmont were intoduced in sequence and named after the location of the Country Landowners Game fairs[C.L.A.].Even this marketing effort did not bring them significant improvement in sales.
Turning to Webley and Scott 700 series, Mr Martin is correct in his grading.For example, a 1961 price list in my collection, gives the following pices for 12G guns;
Model,700 55 pounds
Model 702,72 pounds,
ModeL 701 92 pounds.
The model 701 is identifiable by its profuse scroll engraving contained in panels on the action body and a fore end that incorporates shoulders at The junction with the fore end metal[ A feature found on some best boxlock English guns]. This model also came standard with a Gold oval and drop points on the stock.If you would like copies of the price list and related catalogues please send me a P.M.
Last edited by Roy Hebbes; 03/22/11 11:05 AM.
