G'day All

I would just like to add a little to this historical discourse. I have a Tipping and Lawden 16 bore cape gun and while tracking down it's history I discovered that T & L where taken over by W & C Scott & son in 1878. From a Birmingham historical site they are listed as Manufacturers of rifles and pistols, with a picture of their factory in the 1830's ( I think the date is correct). Further investigation shows that they were the licensed manufacturer of Sharps patent handguns during the mid 1800's. They were also listed as being manufacturers to the trade, supplying to other gun makers.

The 1872 edition of the W. & C. Scott & Son catalogue has pictured a s x s double which to all appearance is pretty well identical to my cape gun. On the inside cover is a notice stating quote "Every gun bears their full name, namely,- W. & C. SCOTT & SON and full London Address on rib of every medium and fine quality, and no Guns are genuine unless so marked, excepting plain Guns which bear their name and 'London' only." My cape has no mention of W & C Scott & Son, only Tipping and Lawden.

In the catalogue they describe the under lever as being an older and slower design which makes me think that maybe they sourced their under levers from Tipping and Lawden allowing them to concentrate
on their newer designs. This would also make sense as to their take over of T & L in 1878.

Just some more food for thought.

By the way, shot my cape for the first time at the weekend, a mild load of 75g of fff with 450g hp and a solid which I could not weigh on my scales as they only go to 500gn, but would estimate about 700gn.
Both were extremely mild to shoot.

All the best and good shooting, Ian.