That's interesting!

As I understand it, Hugh Lyle Smyth was the second owner of this rifle. I was told by the man I bought it from that it was originally made for Russian royalty. You can see from this closeup that originally the lid was embossed with a crown over an "H" and possibly a name or other inscription. Smyth had it cut out and his name inserted.

However, I have good evidence that Smyth owned the rifle as early as 23 August 1906. Contained in the case is its key, and on the key is an old, very yellowed identifying tag on which is written "23/8/06 Key of HL Smyth Esq guncase". I suppose the rifle was in the shop for cleaning or repair.

Priceless treasures, and snippets of history these are!

It would be interesting to learn about the "Crown over H" emblem. I am told that Dixon & MacNaughton will not give the names of original owners.

Curl