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. |