'Best' grade guns used the best materials, workmanship and techniques available at the time.
'Good' grade may have economised a little on material, techniques, wood grade, hours of hand finishing.
One example was one maker whose 'best' guns had chopper lump barrels, whereas other grades had dovetail lump construction, which saved a little cost.
'Best' guns were usually fully bespoke - if the buyer wanted plain (or even no) engraving, that was supplied, but the materials, techniques and workmanship remained the best that was available. Best would also be very carefully fitted and adjusted to the customer to have handling and balance to suit his specific needs.
Engraving is not generally a good guide to what is 'best'. It is a (possibly slightly eccentric) trait in the British character that well executed but fairly plain and 'understated' design has long been preferred my many traditional high end customers.
'London' is an additional 'descriptor' to 'Best' as guns made in Birmingham and Edinburgh (or sometimes elsewhere) could equally well be 'Best' (but not London Best).
Last edited by JohnfromUK; 01/10/17 02:56 AM.
