In the 27 November 1883 "The Bury and Norwich Post" at least John A. Scotcher advertised his "Gun and rifle manufactory".
Some info and e.g. an outside shot of the shop from 1919 at
http://www.stedmundsburychronicle.co.uk/guns/gunshome.htm "John A Scotcher, Bury St Edmunds, 1865-1912
John Adam Scotcher, Gunmaker, had his shop at 17 Meat Market, which was near the Corn Exchange in Bury St Edmunds, from 1865 to 1912. Nowadays we know this address as being in the Traverse. Apparently this address had been a gunmakers for many years before Scotcher took it over.
Kelly's Directory of Suffolk for 1900 contained a reference to "Scotcher and Son, gun, pistol and rifle manufacturer, inventor of the 'invincible cartridge' 4 the Traverse."
By 1912 the business was owned by Henry R P Hodgson, whose daughter married H D Bennett in 1913. He ran it from 1916 until 1953.
Robert and Violet Clayton took over in 1953 until 1976, when it passed to their son Robert Clayton. In 1984 his son Jeremy Clayton joined as a partner. Within living memory the shop was re-named Clayton's Sports Shop, and it still sold a few guns until the 1980s. The Traverse lost a gunshop when Claytons moved out to 37 Abbeygate Street and began trading as Javelin."
From "Guns Directory" by John Walter:
"Scotcher John A. Scotcher & Son; Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. The marks of this gunsmithing business, claiming origins as early as 1803, have been reported on shotgun ammunition made by Eley Brothers prior to the First World War, including ‘The Invincible’. John Adam Scotcher was listed at 17 Meat Market from 1863, expanding the business to include his son by 1885, but work ceased when the stock and goodwill was acquired by Henry Hodgson in 1913."
Internetgunclub.com has more if you feel inclined to spend your dosh:
https://www.internetgunclub.com/database...p;currentpage=1"Information
Trade: Gun, rifle & pistol maker
Dates: 1860?-1916
Notes:
John Adams Scotcher was born in 1827 in Great Yeldham, Essex. Nothing is known of his early life but he appears to have been apprenticed or worked in Birmingham.
Reportedly, John claimed his business was established in 1803, but this date appears to refer to the date William Young established himself as a gun maker at 17 Meat Market, Bury St Edmunds. William was recorded at 17 Meat Market only from 1810 to 1838, from 1838 to 1858 he was recorded at Risbygate Street.
It appears that John le...[EXTRACT ENDS]"
According to the 26 March 1864 "The Morning Post from London"
"John Adam Scotcher was charged with the manslaughter of Caroline Scotcher, at Bury St. Edmund's."
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