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Image 25-1
 

 

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W. R. Leeson gun case trade labels


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The first label shown is a very early example and shows only the Ashford address, impossible to date but since it does not list the first London address it is certainly pre 1900. The second label is in better condition shows the same address.

The third label shows the Ashford and 29 Maddox Street, London addresses. Interesting to note that Maddox Street appears to have been over printed on the label using a different font style and size. We can probably conclude that this label was originally printed when Leeson only retailed in Ashford. Following the opening of his first London outlet he simply had the new address added to the existing, possibly around c.1902. Interesting to note on closer inspection of this label that statements are made concerning the IBSA (Inanimate Bird Shooting Association (fore runner of the CPSA) London championship being won in 1897 using Leeson guns. Likewise the Midland Championship also having being won in 1898 with Leeson guns - more research needed here!

The forth label shows "Late of" Ashford and 29 Maddox Street, the new address being Harewood House, Hanover Square. this would indicate a date around post c.1912. like the second label,  claims are made that "The highest scores in the International match has been made with our guns four years out of five. the IBSA International Shield printed on the label has a date of 1897.

The fifth label shows a "stick over" address label listing the new address as Regency House, Warwick Street, London. Under the label is the remnants of the old Harewood Place address. this label would have perhaps been originally printed in the later years approaching 1920. This label, like labels 2 and 3 list the IBSA achievements.

The sixth label is a much simpler affair, listing only the Leeson name and last know address of Warwick Street, Regent Street, London. Printed after c.1921/1922. interesting to note that Leeson claims to have established his business in c.1878. Possibly stretching the truth a little.

Finally a suggested cartridge loads for Leeson 28 bores dependant upon the quarry, unknown date.

My sincere thanks to John Smith of the Internet Gun Club (www.internetgunclub.com) for his kind permission to reproduce some of the Leeson case labels shown here.

 


Image 25-6

 



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