Ageing a Hammer Shotgun

[Mark360]

Anyone know how I can age a T Page Wood 16 bore Hammer shotgun, its been in my family for at least 95 years and I’m trying to trace its history back after having it full refurbished.

welcome any advice or a point in the right direction? 

cheers 

[benbobailey]

Proof marks will give indication. Name and address on rib may help.

[enfieldspares]

Dating is easy. Check any good internet site of proof marks. 

https://www.vintageguns.co.uk/magazine/514-2

Next, with some makers, Boss are a good example, Hussey another the address (Boss) or the name (Hussey, Harrison & Hussey, Lang & Hussey) will help narrow the era down. Next is more expert and that's looking at the type of fastening and, with a hammer gun if rebounding hammers or not. Have fun. I can date this gun below as my late father had it, new, from his father on his twelfth birthday in June 1919.

 

 

Edited July 3, 2022 by enfieldspares

[Mark360]

Thanks very much this is very helpful, is there anyway of tracing ownership history, we think it was bought new by my Grans fathers father but would like to know. 

Mark

Edited July 3, 2022 by Mark360

[holloway]

43 minutes ago, Mark360 said:

Thanks very much this is very helpful, is there anyway of tracing ownership history, we think it was bought new by my Grans fathers father but would like to know. 

Mark

Never mind all that get some pictures up !,!

[enfieldspares]

Some companies will have records. Powell had all their books. However, off topic, many guns bought secondhand may be a X, a Y or a Z make but sold by another gunmaker. Many guns were sold by C B Vaughan. Who never AFAIK sold a gun under his own name ever. He was a pawnbroker specialising in guns. Thus the once many cases with his label inside.

Note "various addresses". So like Boss that may help date the weapon?

https://archives.bristol.gov.uk/records/43207/35/1/77

https://www.shotgunworld.com/threads/t-page-wood-sxs.293690/?u=47797

Edited July 3, 2022 by enfieldspares

[Old Boggy]

As said above, if you put up some photos of the proof marks and also if the rib shows an address, this will narrow down the date of manufacture, as T.Page Wood are listed at several addresses from 1876 (29 Nicholas St.Bristol) to 1964 (8 Pipe Lane, Colston Lane) with several different addresses in between, mainly in the Bristol area, but also Shepton Mallet Somerset and Bath.

Also as said above, it is pretty unlikely that Page Wood were gunmakers, but sourcing their guns from the Birmingham trade, as did many traders and having their name put on the gun by the makers.

OB

[Old Boggy]

18 hours ago, Mark360 said:

Anyone know how I can age a T Page Wood 16 bore Hammer shotgun, its been in my family for at least 95 years and I’m trying to trace its history back after having it full refurbished.

welcome any advice or a point in the right direction? 

cheers 

Mark, 

There is a wealth of knowledge on this forum (Endfieldspares, Gunman etc. etc.) but without an indication of the proof marks (clear photo) and possibly a name on the rib, those on here will be unable to offer any further assistance, so help yourself by putting up some photos.

OB

[Gunman]

On 03/07/2022 at 16:34, Mark360 said:

Thanks very much this is very helpful, is there anyway of tracing ownership history, we think it was bought new by my Grans fathers father but would like to know. 

Mark

Doubtful , Very few gunshops , dealers  keep records longer than they have to. Makers records can often  be sketchy to say the least .Companies go out of business or are taken over and records lost , so tracing the history may be virtually impossible .

But !and its a big But !in the case of Page-Wood being in business until 1965, its  just possible  records if any may have gone to the County Museum