doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Adams & Co..or T. Watson?

Just brought home a new double, that for me, checks all the boxes: 16g, snap action, Damascus tubes, cocking indicators, respectable wood and a breath over 6 pounds. It does have an ill-advised recoil pad and some buggering to a couple screws, but overall in excellent shape. I would date it no later than 1887 based on the "not for ball" marking on the flats.

I know nothing of the maker, having only seen a couple others on the web. I'd be curious if any of the experts here know anything of the company. I'm wondering if the gun may have actually been made by T. Watson as the action has a "T.W. Patent" stamp on it.

Here are some pics:

That is a Thomas Woodward Patent gun, also known as a spiral spring Woodward. I have owned several, they balance nicely and are of moderate quality. I liked the ones I have owned.

Thanks, SKB. I've heard of that action type before but did not put 2 and 2 together. The opening/closing is incredibly smooth despite the age.

SKB, I found a reference regarding the action type, thanks to your triggering of some previously dormant brain cells. The spiral spring action was a Thomas Woodward action, patent 651 of 1876. The action was improved in 1882. Apparently, Adams & Co of London made a lot (relative) guns on that action type. There's about 1/2 a page on the action type in Dig Haddoke's book.

gostdog.Adams,is a long established name in the London gun trade. First recorded in 1721.Adams & Co;traded at the following locations :-
1870-1880 9 Finsbury Place.
1881-1894 32 Finsbury Pavement.
1897-1899 22 Denmark Street, Soho.
Trade records show Adams & Co;listed as; wholesale gunmakers and rifle makers.

Nice interesting gun. I hate to ask but is that a crack on the flats near the standing breech on the second photo or just a mark? Lagopus.....

Roy, thanks. That and some other data places the date of manufacture between 1881 and 1887. Lagopus, you have a keen eye. that was actually a piece of debris. I took the pictures outside, so probably blew in. Sure looks like a crack in the picture.