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Early English Gunmaker?

SP45
I have an early muzzle loader precussion gun. The sideplate is marked "Edwin Hunt" and the top of the barrel is marked "London". I don't have any reference material on early gunmakers and I tried online and didn't find anything, can anyone help.
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  • Spider7115
    What kind of "gun"? Rifle? Pistol? Shotgun? Single? Double?

    Have you looked underneath the barrel for proofmarks? They will tell if it's really English or a Belgian knockoff.
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  • MP
    I've checked all my gunmaker books even one on just London makers and don't find him. The proof marks if any might help tracking him down.

    The only one I can find is Edwin Hunt working in Chicago, Illinois, from 1854 to 1857. Could be he moved to the USA.
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  • Ned Fall
    Ask your question on Antique Arms. There is an English correspondent there who is quite knowledgable. He might be able to answer.
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  • hrf
    quote:Originally posted by SP45
    I have an early muzzle loader precussion gun. The sideplate is marked "Edwin Hunt" and the top of the barrel is marked "London". I don't have any reference material on early gunmakers and I tried online and didn't find anything, can anyone help.


    Circumstantial evidence (old auction listing):

    EDWIN HUNT DOUBLE BARREL PERCUSSION SHOTGUN
    Start Price: 125.00Estimate: 250.00 - 400.00

    EDWIN HUNT DOUBLE BARREL PERCUSSION SHOTGUN. Cal. about 12 ga. Early English made shotgun sold by Edwin Hunt of New York, with 32-1/2" Damascus bbls with "London Fine Twist" on the top rib, "London" with scroll decorations being inlaid in gold. The chamber area of bbls have silver inlays of a hunter, dog, bird and tree on the left side and two dogs, a tree and two ducks on the right side. The breech end of bbl has silver and gold wire bands. The breech plate, top tang, trigger guard and buttplate tang are all engraved in arabesque patterns. Lockplates have a pheasant with light decorative borders with the distributors name and state. It is in a 1-pc walnut stock with cheek piece and smooth steel buttplate. CONDITION: Fair. 50% bbl patter remains. Missing one ramrod guide. Broken nosepipe. Locks, trigger guard and buttplate are a dark brown patina. Wood is fine showing much wear. 4-49017 JR83
    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    Edwin Hunt born 1809 England is listed in the 1850 New York City census as a merchant, and in the 1857 NYC Directory as a Hardware Merchant, but home residence Chicago.

    By 1860-70 censuses Edwin is in Chicago, listed as a Hardware Merchant.

    So, Edwin was just the retailer, and gun was probably made by the "Birmingham Trade" English gunmakers.
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  • SP45
    Thanks All
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