Sandlapper,
Two examples of factory records -

William Powell & Son has serial number books and day books. The serial number books have the date of sale, purchaser's name and the serial number.
The day books contain the purchaser's name, date of sale, dimensions and the price of the gun and accessories.

John Rigby & Co. also has (late 19th Century on) serial number books and day books. The serial number books contain all identifying numbers on the
action and barrels, dimensions, purchaser's name and the date of sale. Rigby's Dublin operation closed in 1897 and their record keeping was slightly
different than the London office. Rigby's day books have the purchaser's name, date of sale, brief description of the firearm and the cost of
the gun and any accessories purchased that same day.