The
Journal
Stories of British gunmaking, craftsmanship, history and the sporting traditions behind the English double.
Behind every gun
is a story.
The English Doubles Journal explores the people, places, craftsmanship and traditions that shaped British sporting gunmaking. From the great London houses to Birmingham’s historic workshops, there is always more to discover.
Browse the British Gunmakers Archive →
London & Birmingham:
Two Cities That Shaped British Gunmaking
For generations, London and Birmingham stood at the heart of Britain’s gun trade. Each developed its own network of craftsmen, workshops and celebrated makers — together shaping much of what we now recognize as the British sporting-gun tradition.
Read the Story →Thirteen houses.
Thirteen distinct traditions.
Explore thirteen dedicated maker histories covering celebrated London, Birmingham and British gunmaking houses, their founders, workshops, innovations and sporting-gun traditions.
James Purdey & Sons
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Holland & Holland
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Boss & Co.
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Westley Richards
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William Evans
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Webley & Scott
Explore the History →Seven more maker histories.
Continue beyond the six featured houses with additional histories now documented by English Doubles.
View the Complete Gunmaker Archive →
Sidelock vs Boxlock: What’s the Difference?
Compare the two classic English action types, their history, appearance and the details that matter when evaluating a gun.
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The Great London Gunmakers
Explore the houses and craftsmen whose names became inseparable from the history of London’s sporting-gun trade.
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What Defines an English Sidelock?
A closer look at the form, craftsmanship and visual character associated with one of Britain’s most recognized sporting-gun traditions.
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Reading British Proof Marks
An introduction to the marks found on historic British sporting guns and what they can reveal about a gun’s story.
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James Purdey & Sons: Two Centuries of London Gunmaking
Explore the history of one of the most recognizable names associated with London’s sporting-gun tradition.
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The Fitted Gun Case: Part of the Story
Cases, labels, accessories and tools often carry their own history alongside the sporting gun they were made to protect.
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The Sporting Life Behind the English Double
The English double belongs to a larger tradition shaped by the countryside, sportsmen, craftsmen and generations of shared sporting culture.
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The story is
in the details.
An engraved lockplate, carefully shaped walnut, an old case label or a set of proof marks can each offer another glimpse into the history of a British sporting gun.
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More than the
gun itself.
A traditional fitted case can become part of a sporting gun’s identity. Maker’s labels, tools, compartments and decades of careful use can all contribute to the story carried alongside the gun.
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Preserving the stories
behind the tradition.
Follow the Journal as English Doubles continues documenting British gunmakers, craftsmanship, sporting history and the details that make the English double so distinctive.
Explore British GunmakersEnglish Double Shotguns
Start here for a complete overview of side-by-side form, sidelock and boxlock actions, makers, proof marks, craftsmanship and sporting heritage.
Read the Complete Guide →