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#673116 03/23/26 10:06 AM
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Sidelock
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Sidelock

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I have a cute little 20 bore stamped "DARLOW NORWICH" on the rib and locks. Does any anyone have any info on this maker? THX!


Longknife
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A quick search for Darlow Norwich on DuckDuckGo yielded multiple results.


May God bless America and those who defend her.
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As of 1908, Darlow Ltd. were listed at Orford Hill, Norwich and also at Midland Road Bedford and Guildhall Street, Cambridge, so obviously a major retailer in the East of England. They were not gunmakers though.

However no shotguns by them are currently listed for sale here in GB. I had never heard of them before, so perhaps they did not survive the Great War.

HB

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Pics are here
https://www.facebook.com/groups/norfolk.history.tales.myths/posts/5245730458775951/

Walter Darlow was born in 1861 but where, is not known. Around the Bedford area, were several Darlow’s, most of whom were agricultural labourers. So, it’s presumed that although some may have been relatives, Walter had originated elsewhere.
By 1891 he was trading as an ironmonger in Midland Road, Bedford and would no doubt have also sold guns and cartridges as a side-line. But by 1897, Walter also described himself as a gunmaker. Three years later during 1900, he registered a limited company, Darlow Ltd, and bought the former business of J. H. Emms at 8 Orford Hill, in Norwich. Only a few years earlier in 1897, Mr. Emms had in turn, bought this from George Jeffries who not only had branches in both Norwich and Cambridge, but was a Norwich gunmaker 1841 to 1899 and had several patents credited to his name. The Bedford firm meanwhile continued trading as Walter Darlow, and at some time purchased rivals H. Adkin & Sons there as well.
Around 1917, the firm in Norwich ceased trading as W Darlow Ltd, to become Darlow & Co while in Bedford, the Walter Darlow name remained. They later bought out local rivals H. Adkin & Sons and during 1940, also began trading as Walter Darlow.
In Norwich, Darlow’s was located at No. 8 Orford Hill, their premises facing towards the main entrance of the former Bell Hotel, opposite. The 18th century house which became Grade ll Listed on 26th February, 1954, was best-known for the Stag which proudly stood on the top front part of the building for over a century and was originally, made of concrete. But after a fire in 1973, the stag was removed for safety reasons. It then took until the summer of 1984 until it was replaced on 19th June 1984 by the glass fibre replica. Given the height of the building, the replacement animal was hoisted into place with the aid of a Norfolk Fire Services snorkel! Immediately before the ‘installation’, appropriate speeches were made by the Lord Mayor and the head mistress of Blyth-Jex school where the new model had been made.
Three years later in 1976, the Norwich business became a limited company, Darlow & Co (Gunsmiths) Ltd. It appears to have ceased trading around 1985.

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Sidelock
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Sidelock

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HB and Drew, thanks for the info. My gun is a pretty plain piece, shows normal wear but locks up tight, locks work, only problem is pitting in the bores! Any idea on value?


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Sidelock
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Sidelock

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Longknife
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Sidelock
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Sidelock

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Longknife
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We could be of more help with a full size in-focus close-up image of the barrel flats

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Sidelock
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Longknife
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I rotated and tried to enhance the image

[Linked Image from photos.smugmug.com]

The date code looks to be 'P' for 36' - 37'
J.A. was Joseph Asbury, a respected barrel maker of that era
Is that 'PENSACOLA'? The U.S. importer?

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