March
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Who's Online Now
11 members (Dan R, Hoot4570, canvasback, 4 invisible), 348 guests, and 2 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums10
Topics38,373
Posts543,985
Members14,389
Most Online1,131
Jan 21st, 2024
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 3 of 97 1 2 3 4 5 96 97
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 309
Argo44 Offline OP
Sidelock
**
OP Offline
Sidelock
**

Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 309
==================================================================================================
1847 - Reilly and the 5000 SN gap


I've looked at a lot of JC and EM Reilly pistols. There are a number of pistols labeled JC Reilly using variations of the Holborn address and Reilly using variations of the Oxford Street address. The early ones are percussion pistols..later ones included double-barrel, four barrel, pepper-boxes, and revolvers of various types. Some have Birmingham proof marks; others are clearly marketed from Tanter or Colt, even Smith and Wesson.

Most have no Reilly serial numbers (even when coupled with the Holborn or Oxford Street addresses). But a couple do...and they are so evidently early JC Reilly, Holborn manufacture and they seem to fit so well into the serial number narrative that it may be that some pistols were indeed numbered and were included in the very early Reilly serial number chronology,

One of the most important pairs with a very early 3 digit serial number 176 - if these pistols followed the long-gun Reilly format for numbering - and they look very much like it should be so - was just sold by Terry Buffum. In fact, of the three of four SN's with "Holborn Bars" imprinted on them when he was at 12 Middle row, 1814-1835), three are pistols. Did did Reilly really start out making mostly pistols?

I've added a couple above...with the designation "pistol" so that it will be clear. There are markers for these early Reilly pistols...rounded butts, engraving etc.

And there is a significant gap between the last Holborn address/serial number (3329 - 1847 at the latest) and the first confirmed Oxford Street address (SN 8463 - 1847 at the earliest- and which has "Removed from Holborn" in the label on the case). It seems to me that EM and JC Reilly would be unlikely to continue to use "removed from Holborn" for more than a couple of years after the move.

This gap needs more data to investigate why this happened. At least one writer asserted that EM took over JC's numbering system upon transfer to Oxford Street about SN 8400, which may mean Edward just jumped up the queue by 5,000 numbers, maybe to make the firm look more substantial or to distance himself from Guns JC made which were not numbered.


There are "mystery" percussion rifles and shotguns out there with the Reilly name and the Oxford Street address but with no reported serial numbers. (the pistols at least by 1847 don't have serial numbers worth looking into). Surely there are guns that could solve this "Bermuda Triangle" gap of some 5,000 "missing" serial numbers... i.e. 1847 - 1855 plus or minus. this could have huge repercussions on dating...i.e. 84** numbers move back from 1855 to 1847-50 time frame.

Last edited by Argo44; 09/11/18 12:26 PM.

Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 602
Sidelock
**
Offline
Sidelock
**

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 602
There's a power of work so far there - a decent DGJ article - or series - or even, nearly, a book's worth. Well done!
I haven't seen many Reilly's, but of those I have seen, they've all been very high quality guns.

Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 309
Argo44 Offline OP
Sidelock
**
OP Offline
Sidelock
**

Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 309
As I add serial numbers, looks like I've run out of allowed space on the comment; it's knocking serial numbers off the bottom of the list. I'll repost Serial numbers after 25,000 here (SN 25,000 should be around 1884-1885 assuming 650 SN guns per year being made at the time): (!!!!!!!!!!!!! = date marker serial numbers)

++++++ Continuation of previous post for SN's 162 to 25161 on page 1 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++ See page 4 for list of Reilly's without SN labeled "xxxxx" + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



25161 - ??? !!!!!!!! 1885 SN with 1880 date on the case !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Name: E.M. REILLY & CO. 502. NEW OXFORD STREET. LONDON & RUE SCRIBE. PARIS
Descriptions: 25 1/2in. black powder only bold damascus rifled barrels. breech ends with feathered bands and single gold line, individual fore-end with Anson push rod release catch, the iron retaining much original colour-hardening; sidelever action with Purdey 1863 patent double bite, carved percussion fences, rebounding bar locks by Stanton, bar-in-wood, standing breech
Comment: This is a problematic gun for me. The gun was made for King Alphonso XII of Spain. The case is marked “shooting prize 1880”. It was supposedly given by the king as a shooting prize. But the number should be about 1884-85 date range; Yet the address is Pre 1882 - either that or Reilly continued to use his traditional 502 address rather than “16” for reasons of tradition..or the gun was made later to fit the case which was already in Spain…
http://auctions.holtsauctioneers.com/asp...4&saletype=

25172 -
Name: E.M. Reilly, 575 Oxford St London (sic)
Descriptions: No details
Comment: very vague information. (Oxford Street 502? 277? 295?)
http://www.answers.com/Q/When_was_e_m_re...xford_st_London

25232 -
Name: E.M. REILLY & CO 502 NEW OXFORD STREET LONDON
Descriptions: E.M. Reilly shotgun, hammer gun with rebounding back-action locks (scroll engraving), Jones screw under-lever, non-ejector, twist barrels, straight hand stock with vacant escutcheon, snap fore-end (not Hackett).
Comment: 502 address. No Paris. Odd.
http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30030595

25273 -
Name: E.M. REILLY & CO., 502, NEW OXFORD ST., LONDON
Descriptions: .450 (3 Ľ in. black powder express) rotary-underlever double-barreled hammer rifle. 28 in. (71 cm.) black powder only blued barrels; double triggers, non automatic safety and extractors. Included is a beavertail forend
Comment: 502, no Paris.
http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/arms-...86-details.aspx

25460 -
Name: E.M. REILLY & CO 277 OXFORD STREET LONDON
Descriptions: 12 ga, 29" matted rib barrels choked full and full. London black powder proofs. Steel barrels. Box lock.
Comment: 277 address post 1882…no Paris?? First gun with a serial number and the 277 address on a rib.
https://www.proxibid.com/asp/LotDetail.asp?ahid=9943&aid=103285&lid=27390372

25516 -
Name: No name mentioned.
Descriptions: E.M Reilly & Co. 12 bore double barreled box lock, side by side ejector shotgun, 28in, barrels
Comment: first “modern” engraved side plates, very abbreviated, ending abruptly behind the breech and just ahead of the trigger guard. I’m wondering if this marks the end of E.M himself supervising operations and perhaps the ideas of H trickling in. He would be 70 years old at this point,
http://www.anthemionauction.com/bidcat/C...1&offset=-1

26218 -
Name: No address mentioned
Descriptions: 12G E.M.Reilly & Co Side by Side Double Trigger Boxlock Non Ejector. Original Case No Safety Action Automatic. 2 1/2″ 65mm Barrel Length 30” Choke True Cylinder
Comment:
www.aaronwheelergunsmith.co.uk/product/e...h.CWlOUkU9.dpuf

26584 - (1886) !!!!!!!!!!! Last SN w/both London & Paris !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Name: Label on case…EM REILLY & CO. 16, NEW OXFORD STREET, LONDON,
Branch Establishment, Rue Scribe, Paris.
Descriptions: This is an original case with an original label. Handwritten on the label is “26584” and the date “1886”
Comment: Could this be a fake, perhaps an old case with a new label? The case and label look real. If so, 16 Oxford Street = post 1881/2….Paris address = 1886 max. Thus, this SN gun mentioned on the label may be the last gun EM made before the Paris office closed. And why did the Paris office close? EM was 70 years old…he had to be declining at this point.

26733 -
Name: E.M. Reilly (no full address mentioned?)
Descriptions: 8 bore fully rifled barrel, crystal indicator, hammerless, E.M. REILLY
Comment:
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=270014&start=20

26957 -
Name: E. M. REILLY & CO. 16 NEW OXFORD ST. LONDON
Descriptions: Sir John Scott’s E.M Reilly & Co 8-bore (82mm) single-barreled rotary-underlever hammergun, serial no 26957, 36 1/8in. nitro reproved fine damascus barrel, octagonal breech. ones patent rotary underlever, carved percussion fence, rebounding back-action lock,
Comment: Note- 16 New Oxford Street, no Paris address.
http://www.thefield.co.uk/country-house/...olts-sale-26358

http://auctions.holtsauctioneers.com/asp/fullcatalogue.asp?salelot=A1214+++1592+&refno=

27570 -
Name: E.M. REILLY & OXFORD STREET LONDON & PARIS
Descriptions: 16 ga, 29" solid rib damascus barrels choked cylinder and cylinder with bright excellent bores. The barrels show a lovely damascus pattern, the surfaces have toned to a pleasing brown patina having some added lacquer varnish throughout. The rib displays a small scroll engraving
Comment: Terry Buffum collection.
http://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/EM-Reilly-Sidelock-Double-Hammer-Shotgun/631-e_m-02.4-amoskeag

27687 -
Name: E.M. REILLY & CO. (address not mentioned)
Descriptions: 20-BORE HAMMER GUN, NO. 27687; 26-inch barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about improved cylinder and 1/4 choke borings, full length file-cut rib, the frame, non re-bounding backlocks, hammers and rotary underlever with lined border engraving, 14 1/2-inch figured stock with pistol grip, sling eyes, 7lb. 4oz., nitro proof, bores pitted. Possibly converted from a rifle
Comment:
http://www.gavingardiner.com/bidcat/Cata...&offset=240

27847 -
Name: Not mentioned
Descriptions: 450 bore express. under-lever ejection, rebounding hammers.
Comment:
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=270014

2804? -
Name: Not mentioned
Descriptions: Began life as a single shot rifle and was sleeved to a 410 with permanent low temperature Timken 4140 CV, Ken Eister tested 28” 1/2 Octagon 1/2 round single trigger ejector splinter forearm.
Comment: Serial number from photo; last digit unclear.
http://www.stevebarnettfineguns.com/asp-bin/Detail.asp?ID=9415#

286xx -
Name: E. M. REILLY (Address not mentioned or photographed
Descriptions: E.M. Reilly side by side, side-locks; caliber: 12/65; Stock length: 36.5 cm; Barrel length: 71 cm; Chokes 1/2, 1/4
Comment:
http://www.jachtspeciaalzaak.nl/index.php/en/2014-08-10-17-51-37/hagelgeweren/e.m.reilly-detail

28861 -
Name: E. M. REILLY & CO.  277 OXFORD STREET. LONDON
Descriptions: 2-bore top-lever hammergun with 30" nitro reproved damascus barrels, Treble-grip action with carved percussion fences, rebounding locks
Comment: Both 16 Oxford Street and 277 Oxford Street were still open. Paris had closed
http://josephsvintageguns.com/gun-details.asp?gun=323

30166 -
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co., 10 New Oxford Street, London *(probably16).
Descriptions: 12 bore hammer shotgun, Damascus barrels, rebounding hamers.
Comment:
http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbt...6662f0f6382a0a3

30207
Name: E.M REILLY & CO. 277 OXFORD STREET. LONDON. IMPROVED PATENT.
Descriptions: 10 ga, 32 1/4" matted rib damascus barrels having very good bright bores having some light fouling present. The barrels display a nice damascus pattern that is slightly thinning, the remaining surfaces have toned to a pleasing brown patina having a few light specks of pin prick pitting. The breech ends are lightly engraved in a geometric engraving, the dolls head extension is engraved in a light foliate scroll engraving and the rib is marked "E.M REILLY & CO. 277 OXFORD STREET. LONDON. IMPROVED PATENT."
Comment: Terry Buffum collection.
http://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/EM-Reilly-Boxlock-Double-Barrel-Shotgun/151-e_m-02.4-amoskeag

30245 -
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co., 16 New Oxford Street, London
Descriptions: 8 bore hammer underlever. With 24 Ľ in. (61.6 cm.) rebrowned twist black powder only barrels, action with carved fences and doll's head extension, rebounding back-action locks, figured 14 in. pistolgrip stock including extension, weight 16 lbs. 8 ľ oz
Comment:
http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auctio...sti10298?page=3

30257 -
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co., no address
Descriptions: Boxlock 12 ga. shotgun, double trigger; Damascus 30” barrels; 2 1/2 chambers; Gold inlay, old-inlaid 'S' detail, border and acanthus scroll engraving, beautiful engaving.
Comment: No Paris address = post 1886; 16 Oxford Street - pre 1898.
https://www.guntrader.uk/Guns-For-Sale/E-M-Reilly-Co-London_Shotgun_For-Sale_140509105318001

30260 -
Name: E.M. REILLY & CO. 16 NEW OXFORD STREET. LONDON
Descriptions: 12 bore, boxlock, double triggers, 30” Steel barrels. Reproofed 2 3/4. Gold inlay. old-inlaid 'S' detail, border and acanthus scroll engraving,
Comment: The engraving and layout of 257 and 260 are so identical that one must think they are a pair, the only difference being the barrels.
http://auctions.holtsauctioneers.com/asp...7&saletype=

30436 -
Name: Not mentioned in ad
Descriptions: 380 Single-barreled percussion Park Rifle by Reilly, Item No. 10619, an unusual W.W. Greener 12-bore boxlock ejector gun
Comment: Christies as usual stingy with their info; no photo
http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/print_sale.aspx?saleid=10537

30456 -
Name: Not mentioned in Terry’s article
Descriptions: 12 gauge, double trigger, 30” damascus barrels.
Comment: Terry Weiland restoration project, Gun Digest, 2014, p.152; the set up and engraving look very much like 30260 ad 30257 except it isn’t gold.
https://books.google.com/books?id=xaQtAA...ers&f=false

30791 -
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co., 16 New Oxford St, London
Descriptions: .380, 2 1/4” BP Express; 28” SxS barrels with full flat matted rib, fine bead front sight, and four folding express sights
Comment: Engraving, layout similar to the “modern group” 30257, 30260, 30456.
http://www.hallowellco.com/double.htm

30846 -
Name: E.M Reilly - rest not mentioned in the ad.
Descriptions: 450 BPE, 28” steel barrels, double gun, double triggers.
Comment: “modern” group side plates
http://www.amoskeagauction.com/108/385.h...paign=108Eblast

32665 -
Name: E. M. Reilly (full address not mentioned in either ad)
Descriptions: 12 gauge. Shortened 29 3/4-inch Damascus barrels. Game rib with locking doll's head. Case-hardened boxlock action, fully engraved with fine foliate scroll. Ejectors. Automatic safety. Checkered straight stock of dark figured walnut. Later sold again and described as: 12-bore boxlock SxS sporting gun circa 1912, serial number 32665; case-hardened action fully engraved with fine foliate scroll, checkered straight stock of dark figured walnut with vacant silver oval and thick horn buttplate, checkered splinter forend with Anson release, ejectors, automatic safety, game rib with locking doll's head, shortened Damascus barrels choked Improved cylinders
Comment: “modern” side plates.
http://www.collectorebooks.com/gregg01/shotgun3/lot-748-.htm

http://www.charltonhallauctions.com/auction-lot-detail/E.M.-Reilly-12-bore-boxlock-SxS-sporting-gun-***Subject-to-S&salelot=256++++++++5+&refno=+++72988


32667 -
Name: E.M. REILLY & CO. NEW OXFORD STREET LONDON.”
Descriptions: 12 ga, 30" damacus barrels choked about modified and full with bright bores having a few very light pits on the right barrel. The barrels display a strong and lovely damascus pattern and have toned to a pleasing brown patina having a small ding on the right barrel 7" from the muzzle. The top of the rib near the breech face is lightly engraved and the rib is marked.
Comment: Terry Buffum Collection
http://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/EM-Reilly-Boxlock-Double-Ejector-Gun/656-e_m-02.4-amoskeag

32974
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co.
Descriptions: 12 ga, 30" matted rib barrels choked cylinder and cylinder with very good lightly pitted bores. The barrels retain 98% of their professional re-applied blue finish. The left barrel is marked "E.M. REILLY & CO (BALL & SHOT GUN)" and the right barrel is marked "16 NEW OXFORD STREET LONDON". The Anson & Deeley's boxlock frame has toned to a dull gray patina frame is embellished in a filigree scroll engraving having about 85% coverage, both sides are marked "E.M. REILLY & CO LONDON".
Comment: Terry Buffum collection.
http://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/EM-Reilly-Boxlock-Double-Shotgun/1338-e_m-03.4-amoskeag

33858 -
Name: E.M. Reilly (full address not mentioned in ad or in photo.
Descriptions: 12 bore, SxS, double trigger, box lock shotgun. 28” steel barrels
Comment: “Traditional” side plates.
http://www.rwardgunmakers.com/guns/33858-e-m-reilly.htm

33922 -
Name: E.M. Reilly (address not mentioned in ad or photo)
Descriptions: 30-inch damascus barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, about improved cylinder and full choke boring, doll’s head extension, the frame, back action bar lock and top lever with bouquet and scroll engraving
Comment:
http://www.gavingardiner.com/bidcat/detail.asp?SaleRef=0015&LotRef=180

33950 -
Name: E.M. REILLY & CO. 16. NEW OXFORD ST. LONDON
Descriptions: side lock SxS ejector Serial# 33950; It has nitro proofed fluid steel barrels & 2 1/2" chambers
Comment:
http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=283480

34164 -
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co., 16 New Oxford Rd., London
Descriptions: 12 ga, SxS shotgun.
Comment: No photo or additional info
http://www.justanswer.com/firearms/5w9gj...blebarrell.html

34247
Name: E.M. REILLY & CO. 16 NEW OXFORD ST. LONDON
Descriptions: 12 ga (2 1/2"), 30 1/4" matted rib barrels choked modified and cylinder with bright excellent bores. The barrels display a stunning damascus pattern with the overall surfaces toning to a pleasing brown patina. The breech ends are engraved in a nice geometric engraving and the rib displays wedges of open scroll, the rib is marked "E.M. REILLY & CO. 16 NEW OXFORD ST. LONDON". The gun features double triggers, automatic safety and ejectors.
Comment: Terry Buffum collection.
http://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/EM-Reilly-Boxlock-Double-Ejectorgun/155-e_m-02.4-amoskeag

34478 -
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co. (full address not mentioned in ad or photo - case label indecipherable)
Descriptions: boxlock ejector shotgun no. 34478. 30” x 2 1⁄2 “ Damascus barrels (nitro proofed). 15” stock with leather butt pad. In its carrying case.
Comment: “Modern” side plates.
http://www.welsharms.co.uk/cats/Welsharms%20Catalogue%20-%2019th%20April%202015.pdf

https://www.guntrader.uk/Guns-For-Sale/EMReilly-Co-London_Shotgun_-_For-Sale_150428134631001

34523 -
Name: E.M. Reilly (full address not mentioned in ad - no photo)
Descriptions: side by side, 12 ga. x 2 3/4 shotgun, box lock, 30 in. barrel, checkered grip and fore end
Comment:
http://www.maynards.com/media/components/ams/events/AAKNE100513/AntiquesCatalog.pdf


34221
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co, 16 New Oxford Street, London. (E.M. Reilly & Co, 315 Oxford Street, London (case). (re the case label, this is16 years after 315 Oxford street was renumbered; the label may be a reproduction).
Descriptions: 16 bore x 450 No. 2 Musket, 29 3/4" barrels with very good bores. This is an interesting set of guns which feature seven leaf express sights and are on the plainer side, being working guns. The actions and back action locks show only light border engraving. The barrels are each engraved with the 16 New Oxford Street address. The guns feature rebounding hammers and full pistolgrip walnut stocks.
Comment: Terry Buffum collection ; one of a pair, see below.
http://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/Case...y-02.4-amoskeag

34222
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co, 16 New Oxford Street, London. (E.M. Reilly & Co, 315 Oxford Street, London (case). (re the case label, this is16 years after 315 Oxford street was renumbered; the label may be a reproduction).
Descriptions: 16 bore x 450 No. 2 Musket, 29 3/4" barrels with very good bores. This is an interesting set of guns which feature seven leaf express sights and are on the plainer side, being working guns. The actions and back action locks show only light border engraving. The barrels are each engraved with the 16 New Oxford Street address. The guns feature rebounding hammers and full pistolgrip walnut stocks.
Comment: Terry Buffum collection; one of a pair, see above
http://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/Case...y-02.4-amoskeag

34572 -
Name: E.M Reilly & Co. (full address not mentioned in ad or photos)
Descriptions: E.M. Reilly & Co. 12 g. BEST Side lock ejector with 30” Damascus barrels; 2 1/2 chamber.
Comment: Classic side panels.
http://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-fo...un_id=100601796

34582 -
Name: E.M. Reilly (no address mentioned in ad or photo)
Descriptions: 12 guage, SxS, double trigger, hammer-gun, 28” steel barrels. bar action rebounding locks. Fully engraved . The barrels were sleeved in 1986
Comment:
http://www.heritageguns.net/guns.php?id=506

34723 - (1898?) !!!!!!!!!Last SN with 16 Oxford St!!!!!!!!!!!!! (My gun)
Name: E.M Reilly & Co., 16 New Oxford Street, London
Descriptions: 12 gauge, SxS, shotgun; 30” Damascus barrels, rebounding hammers. Author’s gun.
Comment: This may be one of the last Reilly’s made or sold at the 16 New Oxford street address. Can find no later examples.

34865 -
Name: E.M Reilly & Co., 277 New Oxford St. London (photos are hazy but pretty sure)
Descriptions: A best E M Reilly , London 12 bore boxlock ejector (BLE) side by side shotgun , double triggers , chequered straight hand figured walnut stock with teardrops , matched extension , vacant silver lozenge and chequered butt . The action , tang , top lever, flat rib , trigger guard and push - rod mount decorated with fine border and foliate scroll engraving . 30" nitro proof steel barrels with doll's head extension and 2 3/4" chambers.
Comment:
http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-us/auctio...9a-a44a00e4518e

35079 -
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co. (address not mentioned/photogaphed)
Descriptions: 12bore, SLE, 30” Damascus barrels, 2 3/4 Notro Proof. 3/4” leather recoil pad. Southgate's back action sidelock design and features: Back action 9 pin locks with interceptor sears, Top lever operating a Mills 3rd bite and a Purdey Bolt by way of a Scott Spindle, Double triggers bolted by an automatic top tang safety slide, Southgate ejectors tripped by sprung plates rocking in the bar of action and Anson's push rod forend c
Comment: Traditional side plates. Beautiful photos but noting on the address.
http://www.heritageguns.co.uk/back-catalogue.htm

35423 - (1904?) !!!!!!!!First SN with 295 Oxford!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co" , 295 Oxford Street in London
Descriptions: Box Lock ejector, #2 of a pair. 30" barrels, 2 1/2" chambers and is nitro proofed, steel barrels.
Comment: “modern” side plates. First SN confirmed with th 295 Oxford address. The Reilly’s moved from 277 to 294 in 1903.
http://stonehengearms.co.uk/shotguns/

35458 -
Name: E. M. Reilly & Co (address not mentioned in ad)
Descriptions: SxS 12 bore Shotgun, boxlock (ejector A/F), double trigger, steel barrels
Comment:
http://www.brightwells.com/AntiquesAndFi...istChangePage=2

35472 -
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co.
Descriptions: boxlock is numbered 35472. Terry Buffum told me in 2003 that it was the highest number he'd noted in his research, and that it likely dated to the early 1900s
Comment: My gun's a 'sleever' so it has no address on the rib
http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=283480

35493 -
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co. BARRELS BY ELDERKIN & SON (GUN MAKERS) LTD SPALDING
Descriptions: serial #35493, 16 ga, 28" matted rib barrels both choked improved cylinder with bright excellent bores. The barrels retain 95% of its professionally reapplied blue finish having loss on the high edges of the rib and a few light handling marks. The top of the rib is marked "BARRELS BY ELDERKIN & SON (GUN MAKERS) LTD SPALDING". Terry Buffum .
Comment: Terry Buffum collection.
https://www.proxibid.com/asp/LotDetail.asp?ahid=9943&aid=103285&lid=27390499

35551 -
Name: E.M. Reilly & Co,m 295 Oxford Street, London
Descriptions: A .300 hammer rook-rifle by E.M. Reilly & Co., no. 35551/2959
Sidelever, rebounding hammer, the sides of the action-body with the makers name engraved in a scrolling banner surrounded by bold foliate-scrollwork, much blued finish, figured stock with semi-pistol grip, horn-capped forend, the octagonal barrel, engraved E.M. Reilly & Co., 295 Oxford St., London, with open-sights, sighted for 50, 100 and 150 yards, and bead-foresight
Comment:
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/17946/lot/42/

35678 -
Name: E.M. Reilly (no address mentioned in ad)
Descriptions: E.M. Reilly 12-bore boxlock side by side sporting gun [double barrel hammerless shotgun, 12 gauge] circa 1905, serial number 35678; case-hardened action..
Comment: “Modern” highly engrave side plates.
http://www.prices4antiques.com/Shotgun-Reilly-EM-12-Gauge-Box-Lock-Side-by-Side-E8953320.html

Last edited by Argo44; 03/30/16 07:05 PM.

Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 624
Sidelock
***
Offline
Sidelock
***

Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 624
Typo error above. 35482 should be 34582

Sequence is correct

Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 309
Argo44 Offline OP
Sidelock
**
OP Offline
Sidelock
**

Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 309
Thanks Terry - fixed. I'll add more of your Reilly's after the April sale when I can look at the SN's and details.

And looking at the matched set of pistols you sold, SN 176...I can't help but think these were actually a couple of the very earliest JC Reilly's. Pistol SN's for Reilly are problematic but...these look appropriate. Did both pistols have the same SN?

Last edited by Argo44; 02/27/16 10:20 PM.

Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 309
Argo44 Offline OP
Sidelock
**
OP Offline
Sidelock
**

Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 309
J.C. Reilly gets play in a recent French Novel.. at least his air-guns did.... "Le Coiffeur de Chateaubriand", 2010 ( text below without the French diacritical marks)

"Le Page commande les siennes a Longera; l'adresse de son fournisseur est écrite en letters d'or dans la feutrine de la boite élégante que j veins d'apporter a la maison: "Joseph Charles Reilly -- 316, Higl Holborn." Ma decision est prse. Reste a ne pas rate ma cible. Il doit mourir sans que je puisse ętre inquičte."

Translation more or less. Page (the store) ordered these from London. The address of the suppliers was written in gold letters on the elegant gun case which I had just carried home. "Joseph Charles Reilly - 316 High Holborn." My decision was taken. Unless I missed my target. He must die before I could be at peace.

https://books.google.com/books?id=xf2rBg...and&f=false

Last edited by Argo44; 02/28/16 01:31 AM.

Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 309
Argo44 Offline OP
Sidelock
**
OP Offline
Sidelock
**

Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 309
For what it's worth, I became curious about the buildings occupied by the Reilly firm:
12 Chancery Lane (near High Holborn)
316 High Holborn
502 (now16) New Oxford street
315 (now 277) Oxford Street
295 Oxford Street
2 rue Scribe, Paris.
13 High Street, Marylebone

There are prints of the building at 502 Oxford Street on early 1850's Reilly labels. I checked them out on Map.google. All of these buildings are apparently still standing with theexception of Chancery Lane which was knocked down in about 1870 to improve traffic flow. And they are impressive. Google will even take you into the lobby/bar/office of some of them. These were not "fly by night" premises.

Last edited by Argo44; 09/05/18 09:46 PM.

Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,417
Sidelock
**
Offline
Sidelock
**

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,417
My E.M. Reilly is a 4 gauge hammer double with 36 inch Damascus Barrels that came to me in it's original leather trunk case with the label "E.M. REILLY 502 NEW OXFORD STREET LONDON BRANCH ESTABLISHMENT 2 RUE SCRIBE PARIS" It originally made as a pinfire but converted long ago to centerfire. It weighs in a 28 pounds. SN is 15625. What year would you estimate that it was made?

Best Regards, George


To see my guns go to www.mylandco.com Select "SPORTING GUNS " My E-Mail palmettotreasure@aol.com
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 309
Argo44 Offline OP
Sidelock
**
OP Offline
Sidelock
**

Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 309
==================================================================================================
15625 (1869)

EDIT: with a new start number for rue scribe 14983 and the new closure date for rue Scribe July 1885, the date for George's gun is bumped up to early 1869.

George, I got your gun, it's in the list above (check it out chronologically by serial number), and I followed all the comments on it (some of those comments are pretty bitter..typical internet) and looked it up on your site when I started looking into Reilly's in January.. I can be almost 100% sure it was serial numbered in 1868 - quite possibly in September or October.

Any serial number from about 15250 to 15750 should be 1868 and have the Paris address - at least on the label - that was a prestige thing and his advertisements at the time featured the gold medals won at the Paris exhibition). Here is the analysis:

-- 15270 is the first mention of the Paris address on a gun rib that I've found so far making it early 1868 - (he opened Rue Scribe after his huge success at the Paris exhibition held in Summer 1867 sometime in late January - early February 1868). As confirmation 15270 has non-rebounding hammers (rebounding hammers were patented 1867 and started to appear on Reillys shortly thereafter)...so I reckon anything after this serial number is 1868 or later.

From 1868-1886 I estimated he was making 640 numbered guns per year on average. - for argument's sake since the demand obviously built from 440 produced in the previous period..say add 500 per year for this period of the Reilly history.

-- 17644 (assuming this is a Reilly number and it may not be) is the first Reilly Martini with a serial number which has to be after it was trialed and adopted for the Army in 1871...probably a bit later. So anything pre 17644 has to be pre-Martini Henry.

As a test...If you add it up...Start with 15270 and hypothesize that it was made and numbered in Jan 1868...and add 500 for each year afterwards...actually you'll arrive at 17414 having been hypothetically serial numbered in 1872 - add to the total manufactured and you'll pull the dates back. But whatever, your SN is so close to the marker date of Jan 1868, that you can be sure it was manufactured within those two months.

1st Rue Scribe gun................................................................................................ 1st Reilly Martini
Jan 1868...............Jan 1869..............Jan 1870...............Jan 1871...............Jan 1872.......1872
15250...........v.......15750.................16250...................16750...................17250..........17644 - at 500/year. If the Martini is 1871, it'll be 600/yr
................15625
.............Sep.Oct 1868

Last edited by Argo44; 09/22/18 01:54 PM.

Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 624
Sidelock
***
Offline
Sidelock
***

Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 624
You asked "And looking at the matched set of pistols you sold, SN 176...I can't help but think these were actually a couple of the very earliest JC Reilly's. Pistol SN's for Reilly are problematic but...these look appropriate. Did both pistols have the same SN?"

Yes, both pistols were marked 176; that seems odd to me, but perhaps that was customary with pairs of "duelers".

Page 3 of 97 1 2 3 4 5 96 97

Link Copied to Clipboard

doublegunshop.com home | Welcome | Sponsors & Advertisers | DoubleGun Rack | Doublegun Book Rack

Order or request info | Other Useful Information

Updated every minute of everyday!


Copyright (c) 1993 - 2024 doublegunshop.com. All rights reserved. doublegunshop.com - Bloomfield, NY 14469. USA These materials are provided by doublegunshop.com as a service to its customers and may be used for informational purposes only. doublegunshop.com assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in these materials. THESE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT-ABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. doublegunshop.com further does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these materials. doublegunshop.com shall not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including without limitation, lost revenues or lost profits, which may result from the use of these materials. doublegunshop.com may make changes to these materials, or to the products described therein, at any time without notice. doublegunshop.com makes no commitment to update the information contained herein. This is a public un-moderated forum participate at your own risk.

Note: The posting of Copyrighted material on this forum is prohibited without prior written consent of the Copyright holder. For specifics on Copyright Law and restrictions refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/laws/ - doublegunshop.com will not monitor nor will they be held liable for copyright violations presented on the BBS which is an open and un-moderated public forum.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5
(Release build 20201027)
Responsive Width:

PHP: 7.0.33-0+deb9u11+hw1 Page Time: 0.048s Queries: 35 (0.025s) Memory: 0.9402 MB (Peak: 1.8987 MB) Data Comp: Off Server Time: 2024-03-28 12:52:04 UTC
Valid HTML 5 and Valid CSS