I've seen quotes from this line starting to be used by auction houses. On p.22 I offered some short versions of the New History for this purpose (and it took 2.5 years of research before I dared write that history). I'll repost it here for practical use by whomever:

Offer this short version for auction houses with limited space for a gun description:
Begin proposed comment:

"Per a well-researched chart dating Reilly SN's, SN NNNNN was likely numbered circa YYYYY (year).". (consult the dating chart for Reilly serial numbers on p.33)

Then add one of the following comments:

============================ Short ========================

Joseph Charles Reilly, b1786, Ireland, moved to London to study law c1808. In 1814 he opened a jewelry shop at 12 Middle Row, Holborn Bars, next to the Inns of the Court where his clientele included barristers and country gentlemen. He began making guns in the 1820's and by 1833 identified himself exclusively as "gun maker." From the beginning he employed a consistent business model; Make a quality product, sell it for a moderate price; deliver it rapidly; and with this model he undercut better known gun makers.

In 1835 he moved to 316 High Holborn where in 1840 his 23 year old son Edward Michael joined him as a partner in the company. In March 1847 they moved to 502 New Oxford Street (renumbered "16" in 1881) where they remained for 50 years. The gun ribs were for the most part labeled "Reilly." The company advertised as "Reilly, Gun Maker."

In September 1857 JC Reilly retired in favor of EM. In January 1859 a branch was opened at 315 Oxford Street (renumbered 277 in 1881) and that autumn the company name was changed to E.M. Reilly & Co., a name which lasted on gun ribs and on trade labels and advertisements until circa 1940 and beyond. A branch was opened in Paris at 2 rue Scribe in 1868 after his triumphal exhibition at the 1867 Paris World's Fair.

By 1880 Reilly was making twice as many bespoke hand-made guns as Purdey and Holland & Holland combined and his guns dominated UK pigeon shooting contests for 20 years. In August 1885 rue Scribe was closed and in 1890 EM Reilly died. In 1898 16 New Oxford street was closed.

In 1903 the company moved from 277 to 295 Oxford street where they remained until bankruptcy in June 1912. A small gun shop E.M. Reilly & Co., Gun Maker, located at 13 High Street, Marylebone run by EM Reilly's son, continued in business until 1918. In 1922 a sporting goods dealer Charles Riggs bought the name "E.M Reilly & Co." and used it for many years on his retailed guns made in Birmingham. Riggs-Reillys use six digit serial numbers.

The Reilly's sold all types of guns in various qualities using all types of actions. Reilly's serial numbered about 33,000 guns from circa 1825 to 1912, all built by them. The guns that they made had an artistic elegance and balance, which is unmistakable. They were one of the first to use highly figured French walnut for their stocks and their engraving, for the most part floral scroll work, was consistently classy. Reilly's best guns were as good as those produced anywhere in England at the time.

============================ Shorter ========================

The Reilly's, Joseph Charles (JC) Reilly (1786-1864), his son Edward Michael (EM) (1817-1890) and his EM's sons Bert and Charles, made guns in London from the early 1820's to 1918 working out of several address including in order:
-- 1814-1835 - 12 Middle Row, Holborn Bars;
-- 1835-1847 - 316 High Holborn;
-- 1847-1898 - 502 ("16" after 1881) New Oxford Street;
-- 1859-1903 - 315 ("277" after 1881) Oxford Street;
-- 1868-1885 - a branch at 2 rue Scribe, Paris
-- 1903-1912 - 295 Oxford Street
-- 1912-1918 - 13 High Street, Marylebone
In 1922 the Reilly name was bought by sporting goods dealer Charles Riggs who used it for many years on his retailed guns made in Birmingham. These guns can be identified by their use of six digit serial numbers.

Reilly sold all types of guns in various qualities using all types of actions. Reilly serial numbered about 33,000 guns from circa 1825 to 1912, all built by them. The guns that they made had an artistic elegance and balance, which is unmistakable. They were one of the first to use highly figured French walnut for their stocks and their engraving, for the most part floral scroll work, was consistently classy. Reilly's best guns were as good as those produced anywhere in England at the time.

============================ Shorter ========================

Reilly (JC Reilly-1786-1864, his son EM-1817-1890 and after EM's death the grandsons) made guns in London from the early 1820's to 1918. For much of that time they were located on Oxford Street or its vicinity with a branch in Paris for 17 years 1868-85. After 1922 the Reilly name was used on guns retailed by Charles Riggs but made in Birmingham. Reilly's sold all types of guns in various qualities using all types of actions. Reilly serial numbered about 33,000 guns from circa 1825 to 1912, all built by them. The guns they made had an artistic elegance and balance, which is unmistakable. They were one of the first to use highly figured French walnut for their stocks and their engraving, for the most part floral scroll work, was consistently classy. Reilly's best guns were as good as those produced anywhere in England at the time.

============================ Shortest ========================

Reilly (JC Reilly-1786-1864, his son EM-1817-1890 and after EM's death the grandsons) made excellent quality guns in London from the early 1820's to 1918. After 1922 a sporting goods dealer used the name on guns he sold built in Birmingham.

Last edited by Argo44; 12/11/21 06:00 PM.
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