A gun for Destry
 

About two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend about 3 hours in the H&H factoy in London. To watch, and question the craftsmen(and ladies) making bespoke guns was a treat. Many interesting stories and theories (putting cast on a gun involves bending the whole action (including tang and both locks!), not just the stock.
Of particular interest (at least to Destry) was a 4 bore double that was nearing completion. The gun was in a rack which the superintendent was reluctant to open, but the gun had "over $100,000" worth of engraving on it.
H&H, it appears, will make anything that a customer wants. I handled a 3barrel gun which was causing them a great deal of consternation. Getting the lock timing, barrel and trigger selection right was causing them a bit of a problem.
As you might expect, the wood blank room caused substantial drooling on my part, which only served to enhance the figure of the blanks in storage.
And all I bought was an overpriced H&H baseball cap. (Not even bespoke)

John

If I had an address ie US Postal I would send you a Willis and Geiger shirt in your size.
Roger

I love the W&G shirt someone gave me a few years ago. The elbows just went out so I have to put patches on. I just plain wore it too much I guess.

Roger:
2632 Hounds Chase
Troy, MI 48098
Upon receipt of the shirt, a contribution to my favorite river conservation group (The Anglers of the Au Sable) will go in the mail

John,

That does sound like a dandy gun, too much engraving though. *wink*


Destry

If the engraving on the four bore is cut down to $5.00, what would be the price of the gun?

I used to pass the H&H factory on the Harrow Road every day on my way to my office when I lived in London. Hard by, on the left heading north towards Wembley, is Kensal Green Cemetery where Joe Manton and many other gunmakers rest. Harris Holland's(the first H in H&H) grave is in sight of the factory.

Bill - There was no discussion of anything as unsavory as price. Was it Vanderbilt who said "If you have to ask the price, you can't afford it".

All I can tell you is that some of the processes are so old, and could be done so much better by machine, but, then, it wouldn't be a "best" gun

My guess is the gun, sans engraving, would still be $100,000 or more.

DLH

You may want to stick to looking for THE BOGARDUS CLUB GUN...

Destry, Are you looking for an English gun? You might try Diggory Hadoke at Vintage Guns in London. Very realistic and knowledgable fellow. He is keeping an eye open for me and a Purdey 12ga with hammers and back lock.
Take care,
Neill

I'm looking for an English gun, but it's one that was "made for the trade" here in the US so I doubt there's too many over there. It's a W. C. Scott model called a Bogardus Club Gun.

Destry