While Hellis was in London, I believe all the Chas. Hellis guns I've seen were Birmingham proofed. I believe they made guns in-house (probably some outworker help) until the 1890's and then slowly migrated to selling and servicing Birmingham made guns; a relatively common business model.
As for the Isaac Hollis guns, I've seen a couple and they were crude hammer guns. While I'm sure others will point to exceptions, these were my experiences. I've seen pretty much the entire range of Original Quality grade from I. Hollis.
Certainly, a Hellis is worth more than a Hollis, all things being equal. I'd disagree on that and say they would sell for similar money. Do you have any comparables to discuss?
Hellis is certainly a tier-III maker (tier-II is the likes of Westley Richards, Lang, Atkin, Grant, Lancaster, Hussey, etc.) Do you have a complete listing for your tiers?
Tier III makers would include: Greener, Pape, Egg, Osborne, Turner, Richards of Liverpool, Cogswell and Harrison, Playfair & Bentley, etc.
Naturally, in each class there were several grades and qualities but some firms are known for best guns, others are not. How many Original Quality grades do you recognize?
