Perrins Gunmakers
of
Worcester
John Leighton - Percussion
John
Leighton
Worcestershire, UK
John (Gunsmoke) Leighton is a well know character amongst the shooting scene of Worcestershire.
He is an avid collector of Tollies and anything else, preferably big, which goes bang.
Having just retired, John as acquired a Perrins single barreled 14 bore muzzle loading percussion shot gun, as a restoration project.
The gun only has ‘Perrins’ engraved on the side so it puts it before 1841 suggesting it was made in the first 10 years of the Perrins business in Worcester . Unfortunately there is no address and the proof marks are unreadable to date it more accurately.
The gun has a couple of unusual features. If you look at the trigger guard you will see it is straight at the front. Someone may be able to throw light on this but I guess it was to make it more comfortable to carry or fit a case.
The stock is unusual as it is made of birds eye maple. Naturally a paler wood than walnut it has the characteristic little circles all over it. In its un-restored condition it looks quite spectacular so we can only imagine what glorious pattern it will show when finished. Hopefully I will get chance to re photograph the gun when the work has been completed.
There is a pheasant and scroll engraving on the side plates and the octagonal barrel, with gold banding, merges to octagonal with rounded edges and finally it becomes round. As with all Perrins it is well balanced and a delight to handle.
John Leighton - Percussion
John
Leighton
UK
John (Gunsmoke) Leighton is a well know character amongst the shooting scene of Worcestershire.
He is an avid collector of Tollies and anything else, preferably big, which goes bang.
Having just retired, John as acquired a Perrins single barreled 14 bore muzzle loading percussion shot gun, as a restoration project.
The gun only has ‘Perrins’ engraved on the side so it puts it before 1841 suggesting it was made in the first 10 years of the Perrins business in Worcester . Unfortunately there is no address and the proof marks are unreadable to date it more accurately.
The gun has a couple of unusual features. If you look at the trigger guard you will see it is straight at the front. Someone may be able to throw light on this but I guess it was to make it more comfortable to carry or fit a case.
The stock is unusual as it is made of birds eye maple. Naturally a paler wood than walnut it has the characteristic little circles all over it. In its un-restored condition it looks quite spectacular so we can only imagine what glorious pattern it will show when finished. Hopefully I will get chance to re photograph the gun when the work has been completed.
There is a pheasant and scroll engraving on the side plates and the octagonal barrel, with gold banding, merges to octagonal with rounded edges and finally it becomes round. As with all Perrins it is well balanced and a delight to handle.
