H Adkin & Sons

[howardbjr]

I am looking for info on a gunmaker H Adkin and Sons you have inherited a double barrel 12 gauge and want to know more about the history of the gun Thx HBJ?

[johnbt]

I found a reference to:

"H.Adkin and Sons 57 High Street Bedford"

Bedford is north of London.

I also found a mention of a later 1900 address in Guildford, sw of London.

That's it so far.

[apr1775]

Just to make sure, it is "Adkin" and not "Atkin". Henry Atkin was a famous London gun maker, but at a quick look I don't see any info on H Adkin.

[howardbjr]

I was indeed able to find "Henry Atkins;" however, I'm certain that the gunmaker for this side-by-side, double 12 is "H Adkin and Sons" and it was made in Bedford, England.

Can't seem to find much else regarding this gunmaker however. Thx

[howardbjr]

Johnbt:

You're on to something. The barrel has an inscription, "H Adkin and Sons Beford." I also find the number 1333 on various components of the gun, which I assume means that there are at least 1332 other versions of this gun out in the world.

I've googled to H Adkin and Sons Bedford, don't find much other than auction sights with little to no info.

Thank you for you good work,
hj

[englishrose]

H Adkin of Bedford was my great,great grandfather. The family business survived about 100 years in Bedford I believe, finally closing down in the 1950's when my great uncle died. :)

[cdingeldein]

I have a H Adkin serial number 1104. This must be an earlier shotgun because of the low serial number and on the barrel it just has H Adkin 57 High Street Bedford without the "& Sons"

I know nothing about the shotgun and would like to know more about it.

It is a hammered back action lock with the nice piece of wood I have ever seen on a shotgun

[TheKlawMan]

"H Adkin of Bedford was my great,great grandfather. The family business survived about 100 years in Bedford I believe, finally closing down in the 1950's when my great uncle died. "

You sound like a pretty good primary source

[Bean1]

I've also recently bought a H.Adkin & sons, 57 high street Bedford, shotgun. Its a best quality box lock ejector with damscus barrels serial number 2007.

I've been trying to do some research with little success, I have found a little information here:

http://www.galaxy.bedfordshire.gov.uk/C41B76D4-3918-47D3-ACE3-FD740E905F1A/FinalDownload/DownloadId-CF785052B13A14E5940152E29778AD6A/C41B76D4-3918-47D3-ACE3-FD740E905F1A/webingres/bedfordshire/vlib/0.local_studies/high_street_history_booklet.pdf

I have tried PM to "englishrose" but sadly it hasn't been read yet.

When I spoke to some people in the trade they thought it was most likely that H.adkin bought Birmingham guns and sold them as their own.

I also found a leather case on ebay by the maker, which I think had gun serial number 1211 on the trade label. I bought this for my gun and will probably restore it as its not in very good condition. If anyone knows a good restorer of leather goods, it needs a new strap and a handle as well as a repair to the ends.

Please post any more information you manage to find on the maker and I'll do the same as I find it.

Thanks

Simon

[jaguarxk120]

You can try www.jeffsoutfitters.com he carries leather case's and some repair parts. He may know of someone who can restore your case.