English Provincial Gunmaker Pigeon Gun

[Feltwad]

You will find that top quality guns were not only made in London and Birmingham but different provincial gunmakers turned-out top-quality work also Enclose are images of one of these by Watson of Clayton Street Newcastle -Upon -Tyne UK, this is a 9 bore live- pigeon gun with a 36inch damascus barrel typical live pigeon. built and very straight when shoulder mounted this was to make the gun shoot high when the pigeon was released from the trap A popular sport and fore runner of today's clay pigeon shooting but became illegal in the 1924, some matches would last for three days, and many fortunes were won and lost .
Feltwad
Watson Pigeon Gun

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Very nice live pigeon gun. Although live pigeon shoots still exist, the modern version is called helice shooting and fortunes are still won and lost. I have a special place of admiration for a few favorite provincial makers but from a much earlier period.

 

[nhmoose]

Thanks for the peek! sweet gun.

 

[ohio ramrod]

What a bbeautiful piece.

 

[Feltwad]

A poor response to this thread maybe it is the wrong type of antique muzzle loader for comments? makes one thing is it worth while
Feltwad

 

[ZUG]

Very nice gun for sure - thanks for the pictures

 

[SciAggie]

What a wonderful gun. Thanks for sharing.

 

[hawkeye2]

There's no such thing as a "wrong type of antique muzzle loader". That's a beautiful piece and I've enjoyed looking at the photos; of course I also like looking at photos of beautiful women, hot rods and vintage aircraft but they are all beyond my financial means.

 

[bud in pa]

Haven't heard much about it in recent years but there was a pigeon shoot in Hegins PA. .

 

[ZUG]

I used to go with my dad when he went to pigeon shoots in PA back in the 60's. I hear that they still have pigeon shoots to this day in PA, but they are not as common as they use to be - too many anti-hunters now a days. All the dead pigeons were given to feed the homeless and poor folks.

 

[SOLANCO]

There's no such thing as a "wrong type of antique muzzle loader". That's a beautiful piece and I've enjoyed looking at the photos; of course I also like looking at photos of beautiful women, hot rods and vintage aircraft but they are all beyond my financial means.

Best not let the wife read that.

 

[Feltwad]

Another interesting point about this gun which I thought some member would have pointed out it was used in the MLAIC International shoot 2013 in Austria by a member of the English team. see image of the examiner badge
Feltwad

 

[Artificer]

Was the butt stock lengthened to better fit someone or was that done as a repair?

LOVE the design of the trigger.

At 173 miles north of Birmingham, was Newcastle -Upon -Tyne one of the Northernmost centers in England for provincial gunmaking?

Gus

 

[SOLANCO]

I love things built to a purpose by a master of his craft. What a wonderful example you have given!

 

[Feltwad]

The piece added was to add the length of pull for a bigger than average size of the user, this would have been done at a much later date for modern clay shooting and not a quality example

Has for Newcastle Upon Tyne and surrounding areas for provincial gunmakers records go back to the early 1700s with a large number working, each major town had gunmakers such has Alnwick. Durham City. Darlington, Barnard Castle, Carlisle and Penrith and many more.
Feltwad
Enclosed is an image of an early percussion gun by Gardener Newcastle of top quality patented for the use of early steel percussion caps 1805-10

 

[Historian]

Love the pictures Feltwad! Really great history that you present and preserve.

 

[nhmoose]

Stop being the Drama Queen it does not help you.

 

[Feltwad]

Stop being the Drama Queen it does not help you.

Explain yourself
Feltwad

 

[Rudyard]

A poor response to this thread maybe it is the wrong type of antique muzzle loader for comments? makes one thing is it worth while
Feltwad

Dear Felt Wad . The bulk of members are probably not up on the niceties of British guns most seemed fixated by machine disgorged replicas . I roll my own but do have some older pieces seen & appreciated millions maybe & have a good library. In short a' student of arms' but Ime not alone & many do understand & appreciate your posts . So carry on the good work .
Regards Rudyard

 

[Colonial Boy]

Feltwad,
Loverly gun and and an appreciated post.
I once owned a 36” Greener in 12 gauge, but with a ramrod; parted with it in a time of financial stress.
I fondle it occasionally when I visit its lucky owner.