The Clabrough family of gunmakers was based in Birmingham:-
Clabrough, Joseph, Gun and pistol maker.
1868-1885, 5, New Buildings, Price Street.
1885-1900, 60, Aston Road, North.
Clabrough Brothers,1877-1892 8,Whitall Street,
Clabrough Brothers,J.P.
1882-1892 71/2 St; Marys Row.
Clabrough & Johnstone,J.P.
1894-1915 71/2 St; Marys Row.
1915-1930,s 16&17 Lower Loveday Street.
Clabrough,s primary market was North America,The base of their sales operations was,San Fransisco,California. In 1882 Golcher joined the company first as the manager of the San Francisco store, later he became a partner. It is reported that the first gun bearing the name Golcher was made in 1892.
The Clabrough and Golcher store together with the inventory was destroyed by fire following the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. The Golcher family reopened the business and it is believed to have continued in operation until 1957.
Many Claborough guns have been seen in Canada by the writer. The best J. P. Clabrough gun that I have owned was #5110 a 12,G bar action hammer gun. This gun incorporated a "clover leaf" rib extension,[Similar concept to the W.R. dolls head.]and featured top lever opening. This gun was profusely engraved with game scenes and fine scroll, truly a best gun in every respect.
For a comprehensive review of the history of Clabrough & Golcher the book by Lawrence P.Shelton is recommended.
