Midland Seven Pin Sidelock
 

Just got this Midland back from a friend who passed away. I would like to find out when it was made. Any help appreciated.

According to Nigel Brown's British Gunmakers Vol. III, some time between 1925 and 1960. Probably pre-WWII.

Nice gun.

A picture of the proof marks on the barrel flats may help narrow the date range.

Ken

Proof Marks
 

Here you go.

David,

The gun was proofed between 1925-1954 in Birmingham. I can't read the date code in the picture. The date code is on the right barrel near the breech (crossed swords with letter and number). Use this link http://www.hallowellco.com/birmingha..._date_code.htm to decode the date.

Ken

Looks like 1938-39

Interpreting the Code
 

Ken, the code is difficult to read. I looked at it under a magnifier and it is either a D or an O, so 1925 or 1935. The gun is in good condition nice case colors, strong ejectors, 28” barrels choked skeet/IC. Thanks to everyone that helped with the date. My friend had the chokes opened and a name “T. Takahara” erased from the rib. I wanted the gun back because I named my setter puppy “Tooth Acres Ron Takahara.” My pup is going to be a real nice dog.

The gun looks to be in very nice condition for 90+ years old.

Ken

Date of Manufacture
 

After a closer look I think you are correct Mike.