W M STEELE MIDLAND GUN CO. SHOTGUN

[Larry William]

I have a totally engraved side by side still shootable 12 gauge hammer Shotgun, with the name W M Steele on one side and a dog next to it, other side has a duck in flight in the engraving. Barrels are stamped Midland Gun Co made in Birmingham and Manchester, England, Break away lever is engraved and under the trigger guard. I do not know if W M Steele is the man who had the gun made for him or is the man who made the gun. It is believed to be from the 1825-----1866 era. Gun is in pristine shape and still shootable. Any Help or guidance would be well appreciated. Thank You

 

[podmart]

Midland Gun Company

Afraid I can't give any information on the name steele but Midland Gun Company started in 1888 in Birmingham, England. Their address was Demon Gun Works, Bath Street, Birmingham 4. I understand that in 1956 they were taken over by Parker Hale limited. The address referred to is no longer a working factory but the Bath st area of Birmingham is still referred to as the 'Gun quarter'. You may find similar guns on the principal UK gunsales site http://www.guntrader.co.uk A good source of information can sometimes be the forum on http://www.mlagb.com which is mainly for muzzleloaders but does have a wide readership amongst historical cartridge shotgunners as well. Regards, Martin