MENTION best quality London made guns and the average sportsman immediately conjures up an image of an elegant sidelock ejector built by one of the ‘Big Three,’ Boss, Holland & Holland and James Purdey.

Whilst there is no denying that shotguns by these three makers are coveted worldwide, there were numerous other smaller gunmakers whose skills equalled those of their illustrious rivals. Each had their own distinctive style, a variety of patents having been registered for opening and cocking systems, etc.

James Woodward is renowned for his over-and-under developed in 1913, this firm being acquired by Purdey after World War Two who continued to build a modified version of Woodward's model.

Another example is that of William Evans who originally worked for Purdey prior to setting up on his own when his guns were stamped ‘William Evans from Purdey,’ much to the chagrin of the latter.

Towards the latter part of the 19th-Century many of these excellent smaller makers were acquiring premises in the capital's West End, frequented by wealthy sportsman whose preference was for guns made in this area. Such a gunmaker was Joseph Lang.

JOSEPH LANG

LIKE the original James Purdey, Joseph Lang had originated in Scotland but travelled to London to further his career where he served his apprenticeship with Alexander Wilson of Piccadilly.

1817 found him trading under his own name at 7 Haymarket, initially selling secondhand guns which included the remaining stock of Joseph Manton who had been declared bankrupt. He also sold guns by Purdey and other established makers, concentrating upon the very best of London manufacture.

A highly skilled craftsman, he was soon building his own guns and in 1826 opened an indoor shooting gallery. In 1827 he married Elizabeth Purdey, a shrewd move which ensured that his name became associated with the very best of London gunmaking.

In 1853 the firm relocated to 22 Cockspur Street, Westminster. Two years earlier he had exhibited four and six-barrelled shotguns at the Great Exhibition and was an exponent of the drop-down barrels for breech-loaders.

Lang's innovations led to him building some extremely strange shotguns amongst which was a .430 bore which was truly an example of his skill and inventiveness. This was slightly larger than the standard .410 and was possibly the only one which he ever made, built purely for his own satisfaction in the knowledge that its marketability would be small against that of the .410 and the 28-bore.

During this era there was a virtually incessant demand for guns by sportsman around the British Empire, mostly robust boxlocks which would function in climatic extremes and inhospitable terrain where there were few gunsmiths to carry out repairs. Lang built many of these cheaper shotguns but it fine sidelocks for which this firm are best known.

Lang was a fine live pigeon Shot, his prominence in this popular sport doubtless enabling him to make many worthwhile contacts and increase his business. He was also famous for his lemon and white pointers, and was instrumental in introducing field trials to the UK.

His two sons, Edward and Joseph, joined their father's business but after his death in 1869, when the name had changed to Lang & Son, they separated to trade independently.

Edward moved to 10 Pall Mall whilst Joseph, who had been apprenticed to James Purdey in 1845, was at 102 New Bond Street. However, the former premises closed in 1898 and the business continued from the latter address where it remained until 1925.

After this date Lang & Son amalgamated with Stephen Grant & Sons, and in due course became Stephen Grant & Joseph Lang Ltd, situated at 7 Bury St, St James's.

SIDELOCKS

DURING the period 1901-25 Joseph Lang & Son were concentrating upon high quality sidelocks which were in demand by discerning sportsmen during the golden era of driven pheasant shooting. I have seen many of these over the years, the most recent being a superb example in the gun room of Paul Barber, Herefordshire, who is renowned for his restoration of vintage guns.

Built around 1920, this 12-bore sidelock ejector has 27-inch nitro steel barrels with a concave game rib. It is choke bored ¼ and ¾, and chambered for 2¾-inch cartridges. There is a 14 1/8-inch straight-hand stock which has some nice colour and figuring and incorporates a vacant silver oval. The fore-end is of the push-rod style.

The silver-brushed action is embellished with exquisite scroll adding to the elegance of this fine London shotgun.

Weighing 6lb 8oz, it is a classic game gun just waiting to be brought back into use. In excellent condition, it is offered in its makers' original oak and leather case and is priced at £5,500.

In addition to the pleasure of shooting with a truly vintage London-made shotgun, this one will undoubtedly increase in value over the years. There is no disputing the growing demand for best quality British guns which was evident in the spate of auctions prior to Christmas.

For further information contact Paul Barber, The Coach House, Moccas, Hereford, HR2 9LE. Tel: 01981 500634. Fax: 01981 500651. E-mail: enquiry@paulbarber.co.uk Website: www.paulbarber.co.uk

SPECIFICATIONS

MAKER: Joseph Lang & Son

GAUGE: 12

CONFIGURATION: Side-by-side

YEAR OF MANUFACTURE: c1920

BARREL LENGTH: 27 inches

RIB: Concave

CHOKE: ¼ and ¾

CHAMBERS: 2¾ inches

ACTION: Sidelock ejector

ENGRAVING: Scroll

STOCK STYLE: Straight-hand

LENGTH-OF-PULL: 14 1/8 inches

WEIGHT: 6lb 8oz

PRICE: £5,500