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33950. (early 1896)


O, I got 33950 early on from your DGS 2012 line and it's in the master list on the 3rd page. I'd estimate 33950 was numbered sometime in early 1896 (depending on the month 16 New Oxford closed) although this is a little more problematical than the period 1868-1886 as follows:

Analysis:
26584 is the last SN I've found with Rue Scribe on it, closed Aug 1886.
34723 (My gun) is the last gun found with 16 New Oxford St...closed 1898 (I have not determined the month - will work on that)

In 12 years (say 144 months) from 1886-98 he numbered 8,140 guns about 56 a month - 670 a year if he produced at a steady rate. Yours is 773 numbers before 16 New Oxford Street closed... meaning it should have been numbered about 14 months beforehand.

Here's the problem. EM died in 1890 and his business was taken over presumably by his 19 year old son Charles and/or his wife or partners (unknown). Toby Barclay noted that his 35079 barrels had been proofed before 1896 but the SN indicates it was numbered around 1902. So something seems not quite right business-wise with the firm from this distance and the closure of 16 New Oxford Street itself was an indication business was slowing down. It would be interesting to take a look at your barrel proof marks to see when they were proofed.

Whatever, 33950 is a totally elegant and beautifully proportioned shotgun with tasteful etching. It's what made me put my hand on my 34723 hammer gun at that gun show in 2015 and once I touched it I just couldn't unclench my fist.

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