I am gathering information on a 12-bore Theophilus Murcott pinfire game gun, number 1194. Unfortunately it is in poor condition, and it was converted in its working life to centre-fire but it is the only Murcott pinfire Ive ever come across. Perhaps someone else has a Murcott pinfire and can help shed some light on some of the details?
The barrel rib is marked Theops Murcott 68 Haymarket London SW, so Im presuming it was made after 1866. It has an unmarked Jones-type double screw grip action. The inside of the quality bar locks are marked J.S, which I presume is for John Stanton. The conversion is fairly well done, with filled and re-engraved pin holes; a sliding extractor fitted around the lump under the barrels, with corresponding grooves on the action bar; firing pin assemblies fitted through the fences, and replacement hammers with matching engraving. On the barrel flats between the lugs is stamped T & L. Could this possibly be for Tipping & Lawden, who may have performed the conversion? Im aware T. Murcott was an agent for Tipping & Lawden before starting his own business. Might anyone have information that suggests business links might have been maintained?
The stock escutcheon is engraved RBS, 28th Regt, which would appear to be for Capt. Robert Burn Singer of the 28th (The North Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot.
Any information on surviving Murcott pinfires would be very welcome!
