Harry:
Just to confirm Michaels information, Nigel Brown.s "British Gunmakers" Vol 1, "Such records as survive are contained in two volumes in the possession of Dickson & MacNaughton Gunmakers, 21 Fredrick St. Edinburgh EH2 2NE, Tel 0131 225 4218, Fax 0131 225 3658. The majority of the files cover rifles. The first recorded serial number 120, which is believed to have been made/sold in 1853 and the last entry is serial number 8545 in February 1950 when the records cease." Mr. Brown has listed a number of serial numbers and dates in his book spannnning this period. I hope this has been of some help to you.
Herb