{"product_id":"w-darlow-bedford-england-12ga-sxs","title":"W. Darlow Bedford England 12ga SxS","description":"\u003cp\u003e2.5\" chambers for black powder shells only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProofed twist barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect, tight lock up! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWalter (William Walter) Darlow (1859–1934) was a gunsmith, ironmonger, and wholesale arms\/ammunition dealer in Bedford.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis business started around 1883 (initially as an ironmonger who sold guns and cartridges as a sideline).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the 1890s–early 1900s, he expanded and retailed guns, often marked \"W. Darlow, Bedford\" (or later \"W. Darlow Ltd, Bedford, Norwich \u0026amp; Cambridge\" on the barrel rib or top rib when he had branches\/shops in those areas, roughly c. 1902–1910s).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe operated as W. Darlow Ltd. around 1909 onward but also used the plain \"W. Darlow\" name at times. The business focused more on retail, importing, and wholesaling rather than high-end in-house manufacturing. Guns were typically made in Birmingham (the heart of the British gun trade) by trade makers and then retailed\/sold under his name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDarlow was involved in the cartridge and shooting accessory side as well; the firm continued in various forms (including gun repairs) into the late 20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese were common \"utility\" or mid-tier English SxS shotguns—functional field or game guns for everyday use, not premium London makers like Purdey or Holland \u0026amp; Holland. Quality varied but was generally solid for the price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShips Free to the FFL of your choice!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42829845528653,"sku":null,"price":750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/9229\/8829\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_3a34c515-361b-4d54-9957-c1163b6fb266.jpg?v=1774975368","url":"https:\/\/whiskeyrebellionantiques.com\/products\/w-darlow-bedford-england-12ga-sxs","provider":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}