Frank E. Malin & Sons, (Canada)

[Sheepherder]

Can anyone, offer any information on Frank E. Malin & Sons? I believe they are or were gunsmiths in Canada.
Any information would be helpful, Thanks!

Hal

[Bill Murphy]

In 1980 (some reference), Frank Malin acquired the rights to the Osborne name. Osborne was a famous British maker of pigeon guns and others. Malin took the name and made guns under his and Osborne's name and, as time went on, moved the operation to Canada and continued to represent the guns, now made in Spain, as British made guns. Google would be the best reference to determine more facts, and maybe more accurate facts, about the Malin saga. As an active collector through the Malin years and before, I remember that North Carolina dealer, Ronnie Roberts, promoted the Malin guns, but I am not sure what banner he promoted at what time. Roberts was a prolific dealer in NC and VA, and ended up leading the gun paper and gun memorabilia empire, SoldUsa, that still exists today. I haven't closely examined a Malin gun in decades, but I am sure there are some good ones. Rumor has it that some, although of good quality, have proof marks from a country other than that where it was actually proved. I would love to see a book written about the Malin-Osbourne story.

[Sheepherder]

Thanks Bill,
That's a good deal more info. than I could find on the computer. But, I'll keep trying. The Osbourne connection may help.
I've been looking at a Malin gun, that seems to be built on a Webley & Scott action.
Now, I wonder if a Spanish made gun could have Birmingham proof marks?
Hal

[Bill Murphy]

When using google on your search for information, be sure to spell "osborne" correctly.

[Sheepherder]

Will Do. Thanks

[Bill Murphy]

I got snakebit with my spelling because the computer was arguing with me.

[Ken Hill]

Hal,

Malin guns were discussed on the doublegunshop site http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/...rue#Post424772

Ken

[Sheepherder]

Ken,
Thanks! That's some interesting Info.
Hal

[Jon Sheets]

I did indeed purchase the gun Hal was referencing. Now I am looking for a Malin trade label. Besides being scarcer then Hen's teeth, I can't even find a complete picture of one. (The closest I've come cuts off the bottom line of text.)
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Jon

[Bill Murphy]

Check with Ronnie Roberts at Sold USA in NC. He was a player in the Malin saga.