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Following is a brief history on one of England’s oldest and finest Gunmaking Firms operating continuously since 1840.

The number of gunmakers who are still in business today and who can trace their ancestry to the days of the muzzleloader are very few indeed and rather far between. One such firm is Thomas Bland & Sons Gunmakers Ltd ex of New Row St. Martins Lane, London, England, now located both in London and Benton, PA U.S.A.

Although Thomas Bland has been in business in London for over 150 years, the firm started life in Birmingham. Apparently they were founded in 1840 but the earliest record of them as gunmakers is from 1862. However James and Edwin Bland were in business as gunmakers as early as 1862. Edwin being the brother of Thomas, who founded the firm that was to bear his name.

Thomas Bland prospered at his original premises 41 Whittle Street. So by 1867 they expanded into 42 and 43, next to the Kings Arms Public House at the corner of Steelhouse Lane. In 1872 the firm expanded even further, Thomas Bland Jnr. the son of the founder, opened a branch at 105 Strand London and in 1886 they also acquired additional premises at 430 Strand. The original London premises were then closed.

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Thomas Bland Record Books $45.00

Trade Labels

Card $15.00

Leather $45.00

The following year saw the death of the founder, the business being continued by son Thomas. Up to the First World War Bland made not only shotguns but also a wide range of rifles for big game. Thomas took out Patents for rifle sights and with William Cashmore of Birmingham; a Patent for a special four-barreled pistol was obtained.

The 1880’s brought interest in three-barrel guns and Bland produced one of their own. They were also responsible for manufacturing the "Field" Patent gun. Greener of Birmingham and Green of Cheltenham also made field guns. Of the three, Bland was the only firm who persevered with the design and produced the gun in all sizes up to a massive 4-bore. In the 1880’s the firm opened premises in Liverpool at 62 South Castle Street and then they advertised the "KEEPERS GUN" at 6 guineas and a "WILDFOWLERS" gun, a central breechloader in 4-bore with nickel silver furniture, Silvers recoil pad and a weight of 14 lb. for 21 Guineas. The firm offered a nickel plated full choke "CRIPPLE STOPPER" at 8 guineas and made a specialty of breech loading Punt Guns and Harpoon Guns.

In 1900 the firm moved the London premises to 2 William IV Street and four years later T. Clifford Bland, the only son of Thomas Bland Jr. became the third generation to join the firm after leaving Harrow. He concentrated on the wildfowling side of the business; so much so, that in addition to manufacturing best quality bespoke Shotguns, Double Rifles, Bolt Action Rifles and Howdah Pistols the name of Bland became synonymous with wildfowling guns. Bland also manufactured a variety of Rifled Shotguns that were capable of firing both balls and shot. These were made as the "Euoplia" (a ball and shotgun), the "Cape Gun" (one rifle barrel and one shotgun barrel), the " Vice Versa " (a ball and shotgun with shallow rifled barrels capable of firing both ball and shot) and the " Paradox " (a ball and shotgun with rifling at the muzzles).

Changed circumstances following the First World War eventually saw the Birmingham end of the business closed and in 1919 the firm moved from No 2 and No 4 to Nos. 4 - 6 William IV Street London, where they were to remain for over the next 23 years. Throughout the inner war years Bland continued to offer wildfowling guns, including the "MAGNUM" ejector, a 3-inch 12-bore Anson & Deeley actioned gun with side panels, which sold as the " GREYLAG ".

In 1943 T. Clifford Bland died and the business was continued under the direction of Mr. William Caseley. A particular favorite among wildfowlers, the "BRENT" was introduced in 1948 by Mr. Caseley. A non-ejector gun like the Brent was chambered for the 3 inch 12 bore cartridge and with pistol grip weighed in at 7-½ lbs.

In 1973 the firm moved again, this time to New Row Street, where in 1989 faced with a 100% increase in rent, the central London operation was closed. In 1989 Bland was taken over by C. J. Baker and G. O. Baker of Benton, Pennsylvania, USA and incorporated by Woodcock Hill Inc. They are continuing the manufacture of Best quality bespoke Thomas Bland Boxlock and Sidelock Shotguns as well as Rifles in England. Prices beginning in the area of $19,500.00 for a 100% made in England best quality Game Gun. Call for details to have a bespoke gun made for yourself.

Thomas Bland & Sons® Gunmakers Ltd. has been making best quality game guns for over 150 years and looks forward to the next 150 years in the Gun trade manufacturing bespoke sporting arms.

The Thomas Bland & Sons® Shooting Schools have been moved to America where expert tuition and gun fitting is still offered by a fully certified coaching staff. All of our instructors are certified by the BASC (British Association of Shooters & Conservation) as Shotgun Coaches and have many years of experience in coaching all disciplines of shotgun shooting. We also have instructors who are certified revolver and pistol coaches.

To request further information on having a Bespoke Thomas Bland & Sons® made for you or to attend a Thomas Bland & Sons® Shooting School call us at (570) 864-3242, visit our web sites www.woodcockhill.com or send us an E-Mail message at bland@epix.net.

The most comprehensive publication available, listing over 1,500 English gunmakers in alphabetical order. This publication has taken Mr. John B. Friedman over 20 years to compile and has been published by Woodcock Hill Inc. Press. It allows you to know with some degree of certainty that the gun you may be examining is indeed of English manufacture. If you are seriously interested in English Sporting Guns this is one of those must have publications. 72pp wraps $31.00

If you are serious about English guns this is a must have reference publication.

We offer you the opportunity to have a new best quality boxlock ejector in 12, 16, 20, 28 or .410 made to your desired specifications. Our new guns are available in your choice of barrel length, with full best colour hardened actions and hardware or in coin finish and the style of engraving of your choice, from deep Holland & Holland style to game scenes or the standard English rose and scroll. You have the option of serial numbers being gold inlaid. All guns are stocked with the finest quality French or Turkish walnut. Your gun will come in a best quality English leather trunk case with accessories if you wish.

Our intent is to produce the finest quality pheasant, grouse, woodcock or quail gun. All of our shotguns are completely made in England of the finest materials by the best English craftsmen available in the Gun Trade Today. $19,500.00 and up depending upon finish and case options.

RIFLES - Thomas Bland Gunmakers® Ltd. also manufactures custom made bolt action rifles of the best quality and finish as well as double rifles.

Thomas Bland & Sons Gunmakers® Ltd. have had a long and storied history of manufacturing some of the finest double rifles in the world and are continuing this tradition to this day. Following is a bit about the rifle which is being produced entirely in England and has British Proof.

Our rifle is a double barreled boxlock ejector designed to deal with dangerous game while offering 100% reliability, it is very strong and trouble free, has two independent firing systems and non automatic manual safety catch.

The action is constructed of special steel and has "Holland" type scroll fences for added strength and is fitted with disc set strikers in case of needed replacement in the field without having to completely strip the rifle. A removable joint pin is also fitted to help re-joining and is available in different sizes so that any future tightening can be done with ease anywhere in the world.

The action has a head design suitable to fit sideplates should they be desired, either with or without a detachable pin.

The large trigger plate conceals two simple firing mechanisms powered by unbreakable coil springs for safety, internal safes include hammer block and rebounding hammers, trigger pulls are set on the high side for safety.

Barrels are chrome molly and target quality fitted to a monoblock system, this means that any tubes may be fitted. Normal caliber is .470 NE but 375 H&H, 416 Rigby etc. are no problem. They can even be fitted with a shotgun barrels in 20 or 16 bore should this option be desired. They are zeroed in at 60 yards, barrels are normally 24 inches long. The sights are blade front and triple ladder rear sights. The guns will receive Birmingham Proof.

The stock is typical with cheek piece and recoil pad. Spares may be fitted beneath the pad. The weight will be about 12 pounds. The figure of the wood may be ordered as desired.

Every effort is being made to produce a versatile gun, it can be manufactured in most caliber's, set up for a left handed top lever, sideplated, plain or ornate. Engraving may be as desired, the action may be colour hardened. The standard model is " The Cape " which will include best colour hardened action and related hardware, best blacking, 40% engraving, medium stock fitted in a leather trunk case is £18,000.00 plus shipping and US Customs. Delivery time is about 6 to 8 months at the moment. Better figured wood and more engraving may be provided at an additional cost if desired. The deluxe model is " The Cape II " is fitted with chopper lump barrels and will cost £4,000.00 extra and will require an additional 4 months to manufacture. The Cape II will also be fully engraved, fitted with side plates if desired and a very well figured stock.

Call us and discuss your requirements in having a bespoke gun manufactured and you dreams can come true in approximately a year.

Thomas Bland Gunmakers Ltd. urge you to support The National Rifle Association, Safari Club International plus Join your local Sporting and Conservation Groups.

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