Originally Posted by Daryl Hallquist
Tim, the gun serialed in the 3000 range was marked on the top rib, Hollis Bentley & Playfair, London. The serial no. was on the trigger guard, barrel underside and receiver.

The gun in the 88,000 range was serial no. marked on the under rib only. The top rib was marked Hollis Bentley & Playfair, Birmingham and London, all in gold.

My thought was that both guns were made between 1911 and the war. I also "guessed" that the high number was a Birmingham number and the 3000 range number may have been a London number.

Hi Daryl,

I recently found a Hollis, Bentley & Playfair shotgun. Serial #94xxx series, the original gun case, trade label reads Lench Street, Birmingham, address 1911-1915 only. The shotgun can be no later than 1915. So I think you were right in the ballpark for the date of your Birmingham #88000 series Hollis, Bentley & Playfair.

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