Midland Fireams

Phil C · 08-31-2022, 10:46 AM

I have been trying for some time to get information on a Boxlock Midland shotgun. From what I can determine from the proof marks it was made in 1954. I bought the Midland Gun Company book written by Guy Smith but quite honestly there is not a lot of information there.
Would it be possible that some one with a DGJ index could refer me to any articles on the Midland shotguns.
Also any additional feedback is welcome.

Phil Yearout · 08-31-2022, 11:31 AM

Vol 1, Issue 1; Vol 12, Issue 2; Vol 13, Issue 2; that's all I see if I'm reading it right. Bob Hinman's books says, "Midland Gun Co., English made at Demon Gunworks of Birmingham."

Phil C · 08-31-2022, 11:36 AM

Thank you Phil I will see if I can buy these. Although Im gu swing Vol. 1 issue 1.might be a difficult one to find.

Researcher · 08-31-2022, 07:03 PM

Cornellpubs has reprinted about fifteen different Midland catalogs from 1914 to 1962.

Phil C · 08-31-2022, 10:04 PM

Thank you Dave I will have a look.

charlie cleveland · 09-01-2022, 03:53 PM

there also was an American midland gun company but they never built high grade guns more like the stevens guns...charlie

ArtS · 09-02-2022, 09:09 AM

I bought a really nice Midland a little while back, and was able to identify the model exactly from the sketches and descriptions in the catalog I got from Cornell. I don't have it here, but I believe it was one of the pre-WW I issues. They are really good as catalogs go. My uneducated take is that they are pretty easily identified as to model by looking at the engraving pattern and option list.
Surprisingly, the gun I purchased was the second highest grade boxlock. In looking through the catalog, I ws surprised at the modest upgrade price between grades and the large differential between the boxlock and sidelock versions. The latter didn't surprise me, but the former did. There would have been a lot of incentive at the time to buy a top of the line within the style.

Phil C · 09-02-2022, 11:43 PM

I ordered a 1949,catalog tonight. Hopefully it will show this gun. Would some of the knowledgeable members look at the proof marks and see if they believe this gun was made in 1954. Crossed swords and B 1 and E I believe indicates 1954

Kensal Rise · 09-03-2022, 11:28 AM

According to Nigel Brown in his British Gunmakers Vol. 3, the surviving Midland records are sketchy. But if this gun has a serial number, I might be able to give you a general date per Brown's listed info. I hope.

ArtS · 09-03-2022, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Campbell

According to Nigel Brown in his British Gunmakers Vol. 3, the surviving Midland records are sketchy. But if this gun has a serial number, I might be able to give you a general date per Brown's listed info. I hope.

Here is a link to the date codes.

http://www.hallowellco.com/birmingha..._date_code.htm

The EB is 1954. The 1 signifies the inspector's identity.