Without a description of the rifle and its markings, not much can be said about the gun. As to the maker, the firm of Thomas Bland was founded in Birmingham in 1840. Thomas Bland was recorded at 41 Whittall St., Birmingham in 1862. The firm eventually took over Nos. 41 and 43. When Bland Junior joined his father in 1872, the firm became Thomas Bland & Sons, and in 1875 it opened its first London address at 106 Strand. Around 1885 a branch was opened in Liverpool at 62 South Castle St. By 1886 a second London address was opened at 430 West Strand, and the 106 Strand address ceased to be used in 1888. Thomas Strand the founder died in 1887, and Thomas Junior carried on at the West Strand address until 1901 when the firm moved to 2 King William St., Strand. The Birmingham end of the business closed in 1919, and at this time the London business moved to 4-5 King William St., and the street was renamed King William IV Street around 1937. The business was renamed Thomas Bland & Sons (Gunmakers) Ltd.. In 1973 the firm moved to 21-22 New Rd., St Martins Lane. In 1990 the business name was sold to an American, Glen Baker, and it was restarted as Thomas Bland & Sons Gunmakers Ltd. at Benton, Philadelphia. The name and address on your gun will help determine its age!
Serial number records start at no. 1200 in 1880, no. 1300 in 1890, no, 15560 in 1900, no. 1700 in 1918, no. 1800 in 1930, and no. 1900 is from 1960.
