Demon, there are only two London George Smith's on the IGC database:
Name George Smith
Address1 Upper King Street
Address2 New Norfolk Street
City/Town London
Country United Kingdom
Trade Gunmaker
Dates 1841-1848
Notes
Recorded in the 1841 Census aged 30 in Upper King Street, he was next recorded in 1848 in New Norfolk Street. No further record.
And perhaps a more likely candidate for your gun:
Name George E Smith
Other Names George Smith & Co
Address1 40 Davies Street
Address2 16 Davies Street
Address3 104 New Bond Street
Address4 82 New Bond Street
Address5 10 Davies Street
Address6 253 Oxford Street
Address7 3 Park Lane
City/Town London
Country United Kingdom
Trade Gun Dealer
Other Address 110 Mount Street; 3 Angel Court; 4 Stafford Street; 13 King Street; 153 Piccadilly
Dates 1859-1897
Notes
George Smith established his business at 40 Davies Street in 1859. In 1863/3 he made gun No. 286 which is in the Royal collection. In 1866 he moved to 16 Davies Street and in 1867 to 104 New Bond Street. In 1869 he moved to 82 New Bond Street, but in 1870 he moved to 10 Davies Street. In 1871 he moved to 253 Oxford Street, and in 1874 he was recorded at 3 Park Lane. In 1885 he was at 110 Mount Street and in 1888 at 3 Angel Court, King Street. In 1891 he was at 4 Stafford Street and in 1896 at 13 King Street. In 1897 the name of the firm was changed to George Smith & Co, and he was recorded at 153 Piccadilly but closed later in 1897.
George Smith must have been a maker of best quality guns but he seems to have taken on property leases probably inexpensive because they had a short time to run. No other gun maker in the whole of the England occupied so many premises, 12 in less than 40 years.
Tim
