A turn off pistol

fernando · 12th February 2012, 03:28 PM

A theme that has recently been approached; in this case not a Queen Anne type but a more current pocket style.
This time a British work, no doubt; proof mark included. The barrel marked Rabone Brothers & Co. London.
I am only a bit uncertain as to whether these guys were gun makers or gun retailers.
Does anyone here know or have guns from Rabone Brothers?

.

Matchlock · 12th February 2012, 04:01 PM

Hi 'Nando,

Nice percussion pocket pistol with folding trigger, and in charming patina as well!

I cannot tell you either whether the Rabones were makers or retailers, only that Edward & John Rabone are recorded to have lived in Birmingham, 22 New Buildings, Price St., vom 1866-68.

Is the proof mark that of Birmingham or London? A London address is not given in my sources.

Considering the fact that in those years the firearms market was crowded with cheap Belgian products which were sold to many retailers, with or - preferably! - without Liège proof marks, there is a certain chance that the Rabone Bros. did not manufacture them.

Best,
Michl

Berkley · 12th February 2012, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matchlock

Is the proof mark that of Birmingham or London?

It appears to be the Birmingham proof mark.

fernando · 12th February 2012, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matchlock

... Is the proof mark that of Birmingham or London?

Both, Michl ... as per attached picture.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

... and there were lots of Liege products pouring into these markets...

I guess not in this case, Jim ... judging by the unequivocal proof marks, i'd say

.

Matchlock · 13th February 2012, 03:39 PM

Cool, 'Nando,

Proof marks of two different cities?!

That seems to be a rare instance!

m

fernando · 13th February 2012, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matchlock

Cool, 'Nando,

Proof marks of two different cities?!

That seems to be a rare instance!

m

Oh, no.
They used to often do that; maybe firearms qualification saw different standars in either proof house and therefore dealers saw convenience to prepare the guns to be sold everywhere in the country.

See post #30 here, for one:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=edward

Matchlock · 13th February 2012, 04:50 PM

Just another proof of the fact that 19th c. arms are definitely none of my focal points.

Michl

Jim McDougall · 12th February 2012, 04:40 PM

Nice little pistol Nando!
I agree with Michael, these were probably retailers and there were lots of Liege products pouring into these markets. A lot of these types had a belt clip on them as well, pretty handy.

All the best,
Jim

12th February 2012, 03:28 PM	#1
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,666	A turn off pistol A theme that has recently been approached; in this case not a Queen Anne type but a more current pocket style. This time a British work, no doubt; proof mark included. The barrel marked Rabone Brothers & Co. London. I am only a bit uncertain as to whether these guys were gun makers or gun retailers. Does anyone here know or have guns from Rabone Brothers? . Attached Images

12th February 2012, 04:01 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi 'Nando, Nice percussion pocket pistol with folding trigger, and in charming patina as well! I cannot tell you either whether the Rabones were makers or retailers, only that Edward & John Rabone are recorded to have lived in Birmingham, 22 New Buildings, Price St., vom 1866-68. Is the proof mark that of Birmingham or London? A London address is not given in my sources. Considering the fact that in those years the firearms market was crowded with cheap Belgian products which were sold to many retailers, with or - preferably! - without Liège proof marks, there is a certain chance that the Rabone Bros. did not manufacture them. Best, Michl Last edited by Matchlock; 13th February 2012 at 03:39 PM.

13th February 2012, 03:39 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Cool, 'Nando, Proof marks of two different cities?! That seems to be a rare instance! m

13th February 2012, 04:50 PM	#7
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Just another proof of the fact that 19th c. arms are definitely none of my focal points. Michl

12th February 2012, 04:40 PM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,801	Nice little pistol Nando! I agree with Michael, these were probably retailers and there were lots of Liege products pouring into these markets. A lot of these types had a belt clip on them as well, pretty handy. All the best, Jim