doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Looking for information on W.C. Carswell, Ltd.

I would greatly appreciate any information on the gentleman’s operation. E.g., who he contracted with on his best guns for actions, stocking, barrels, etc. Also, have seen one of his “Best” with magnificent rose & scroll, 100% coverage, very fine in detail and would truly like to know the artist’s name! Gun is from his first years in business. Thank you!

Jim , in addition to the thread linked above Nigel Brown shows the business becoming a limited company in 1936 at 4 Chapel Street, moving to 19 Old Hall Street by 1963 to 1982.

A photo of the proof marks may well help more precisely date the gun, and might also show some maker’s markings.

I have one of his SLE guns with chopper lump barrels, but no clue as to who made it for him save that the chiselling of the fences resembles guns by William Ford in Birmingham.

Sadly in those days the engravers almost never signed their work.

In the 1920's there was a Trade engraver of note called Henry Morris who not only engraved but had an engraving shop where he employed other engravers as well as taking on apprentices .He has never received the recognition he deserves and ranked amongst the best in his day .He was capable of incredibly fine work and highly detailed game scenes , seen on many Birmingham made guns .I understand he continued working until the late 60's. He also finished a few guns that bear his name .

Great information! Thank all of you very much!

Fairly typical (if well worn) Birmingham engraving on a medium grade boxlock ejector by F. J. Cole of Cirencester. Could be from Morris’s workshop but we will never know.

Birmingham engravers were better at doing dogs than tigers. I had a Leonard built W.J.Jeffery .333 Flanged double BLE and the tigers on the action looked distinctly like tabby cats.