Perrins Gunmakers
of
Worcester
Lee Malpass
12 Bore Hammer Gun
Lee Malpass
UK
Breech loading hammer12 bore
Top lever opening
Number
Perrins & Son Makers
This gun looks to be quite an early example of a top quality, breech loading, center fire, with metal semi pistol grip, wedged forend and non rebounding hammers.
While the 'Perrins & Son' is very clearly engraved on the sides of the action the lettering on the rib is faint. In certain lights it is more plainly seen with what looks like the
'6 MEALCHEAPEN STREET' address. Originaly it was thought to be '59 Broad St' and maybe it will become clearer with a little more work.
The serial number would appear to have a 3 and a 7 in it but is too indistinct to make out clearly. The barrels have the ERP stamp of Edward Ropinson Perrins./
Previous owner.....
Lawrence Langridge
UK
Lawrence brought this gun along to the last 'Perrins Day'. I'm afraid I didn't have much time to take down all it's details, all I had time for was a few, rather rushed, photos. The gun is undoubtedly an early breach loading hammer gun of high quality, which has seen a hard life. The gun has a profusion of scroll engraving and an interesting feature is the serpentine top lever, which allows the gun to be opened even with the hammers cocked so that it can be unloaded in perfect safety. I am not sure of the internal state of the barrels but it would be a wonderful gun for a restoration project if they were still in sound condition.
