Maker's mark on an Edwardian side-by-side?

[HistoricBore]

Hello chaps

Earlier this year I bought an older side-by-side that was retailed by a gun shop in Somerset before the First World War, I estimate.

Along with the usual proof marks on the barrels flats there is a curious mark, which is a circle about half an inch in diameter. Inside the circle is a capital letter M , with the numbers 948 underneath. I wondered if this might be related to the Midland Gun Company of Birmingham, who made lots of guns for local retailers. Any ideas out there?

HB

 

[Stalker62]

No clue but love your "Handle".

 

[Basil H]

A chap called Guy N. Smith quite recently published a history of the Midland Company. If you can lay hands on a copy it might answer the question.
An ex-gun trade man (gunman ?) who posts on PW might have an answer. There are some knowledgeable folk on that forum along with a few oddballs.

 

[Heym SR20]

Hello chaps

Earlier this year I bought an older side-by-side that was retailed by a gun shop in Somerset before the First World War, I estimate.

Along with the usual proof marks on the barrels flats there is a curious mark, which is a circle about half an inch in diameter. Inside the circle is a capital letter M , with the numbers 948 underneath. I wondered if this might be related to the Midland Gun Company of Birmingham, who made lots of guns for local retailers. Any ideas out there?

HB

Have a chat with Vintage Guns or go over to the Double Gun Journal.

 

[Glen of Imaal]

Hi HistoricBore,
Could you please post a picture of the marks, might be able to come up with something. Many thanks,
Glen

 

[HistoricBore]

Stalker 1962:
I started with a smallbore 64 years ago, followed by lots of Full Bore, and so now I am definitely a Historic Bore...

Heym20:
It's not important or expensive enough to bother Diggory with it.

Glen:
I can take a photo tomorrow, and then see if I can upload it...

HB

 

[paul o']

Give , Frances Lovel a call not only is he one of the best on old English gun's he also own's Atkin Grant & Lang .

 

[HistoricBore]

Here is a photograph of the mark, to the lower left of the picture.
Any ideas - over to you!

 

[enfieldspares]

Yes in my opinion its is a Birmingham Proof House private mark that they've lost the correct stamp to put that mark on with.