Interesting point. One thing to note is that most of the obscure English 'Makers' weren't Makers at all but buyers from the gun trade so that you could find guns of all qualities with the same name on the rib. They would just order and finish to the customer's requirement. There is a knack of spotting who actually made the gun from small trade marks to other even more obscure initials on the barrels or even just the general look of the gun. I have seen an obscure provincial name on a gun that was indistinguishable from a 'C' grade Purdey sidelock ejector; even down to the engraving style. As 'C'grade Purdeys were made in the trade in Birmingham chances are all the same craftsmen worked on this gun too. The only real difference; apart from the name, would be the fact that the Purdey would be at least three times the price. As Joe says; it needs an experienced eye for the quality. You can get a first class gun without going for one of the big names and big name prices. But, come to sell it and the same system applies. Lagopus.....
