I sent the following message to Gavin Gardiner yesterday:

"Sirs, I have compiled a pretty complete "New Short History of Reilly of London,” which corrects a lot of errors about that company which have become internet myths. It can be read here. http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=436538&page=20

"I’ve also compiled a serial number chart of Reilly’s, which permits Reilly owners to date their guns to within six months or so, based on extant Reilly’s. On 01 Dec 2015 you actioned off in Lot 317 a 15 bore single barrel Reilly percussion gun muzzle loader. The gun could be an important link in dating Reilly serial numbers. By any chance have you retained information on the Serial Number of this gun and the name/address on the rib. Many thanks for your help."

To my surprise this morning I received this very considerate response:

Many thanks for this this very useful research information…. the link i smuch appreciated.

"Regarding the gun that we sold, lot 317 in our 1st December 2015 auction, I have attached the hi res image for this lot.
"As per the description, it is a single barrel gun by Burnett. The Barrels were signed William Burnett, Southampton. It was in a Reilly case. I have no record of a serial number and would have mentioned it if the gun had carried one, so presume that it was not numbered.
"I hope that this is of assistance to you.
Regards, Gavin"

There are few auction houses of that level which would take the time to respond to such a request. I've never bought a gun from him but his attention to detail certainly would give confidence in the process.


Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch