Bartlett,
That is the sheep in wolf's clothes that can be purchased at a modest price.
Yes exactly. That is one of the benefits I find in collectiing provincial (non-London - non Birmingham) guns. I could not afford what I have if they were engraved "Big Name".
In many cases that's where they came from but the name is different. I have a couple of "Purdey" guns (in patent marking and quality) with other "makers" names on them that were rather affordable. Some of the provincials (Horsley) were "best" in their own right. Some of the first boxlocks (first year or so of the patent) are real stunners. Smythe sold some particularly high end pieces as did W. Golden and even lesser knowns such as Patrick. These are beautiful in form, fit and function and very good value for the money. I have seen at auction identical guns.... literally identical down to the engraving pattern and condition .. sell at signficantly different prices , almost certainly simply because of the different names engraved on the action and rib.
Jeremy
