What is a Heritage Gun?

We scour the United Kingdom for guns that represent the best in late 19th and early 20th Century gunmaking by lesser-known gunmakers.
These guns, often designed and built by the very same outworkers that supplied the makers of Best guns, frequently exhibit interesting features and patents rarely seen in guns that carry more prestigious names.
A Heritage Gun will exhibit at least one, and often several of the following attributes

Particularly good condition for its age. An interesting, significant or rare patent. Unusually high quality, specification or finish, especially when from a lesser-known maker. A notable aesthetic feature, for example gold inlay or a superb stock.

When we find such a piece, the gun is returned to our workshops and undergoes a minutely detailed examination for flaws in the locks, stock or furniture.
Only when we are satisfied that the gun is a suitable candidate for restoration do our gunsmiths, stockers and engravers go to work. Painstakingly, we strip the gun down to its last pin and start the demanding task of repairing barrels and rejointing. At this stage the gun is sent for proof testing at the London Proof House. Providing all goes well with this essential test of gun soundness, we begin filing up new components, replacing damaged pins and then refinish the furniture and woodwork and commence browning or blacking barrels.

Meanwhile, our case maker begins work on the original maker’s case if it has survived, or alternatively a contemporary case of good quality, and refurbishes it. Many cases are carefully relined and fitted to makers' standards while others, if in particularly good condition, are carefully cleaned and given replacement fittings where necessary.

The cases are then equipped with new brass and ebony cleaning tools, turnscrews, spare strikers, nipple keys, chrome or pewter oil bottle as appropriate and the original maker’s label, if available, is affixed inside the lid.

Lastly, every Heritage Gun is accompanied by a leather bound

Heritage Gun Companion

a unique handbook, the contents of which encompass
The known history of the maker,
An overview of the gun’s era,
Technical specification of the gun,
Details of all the main patents exhibited by the gun
complete with drawing and photographs
and lastly maintenance advice from our gunsmiths.

This is a unique companion to a specific gun and only a single copy is published and hand bound by craftsmen in Cambridge, England.