A name we don't see too often these days is that of E.M.Reilly & Co, of London, another of those semi forgotten names from the golden age of British gun and rifle manufacture. It is therefore a pleasant surprise when something special by the maker passes through our factory and reminds us once again that the gun industry has a long tradition of producing magnificent guns and rifles.
This fabulous combination 12 bore rifle and shotgun was built for King Alfonso XII of Spain (1857 - 1885) and displays all the fine qualities in a firearm built for a king. True to the time, the late 1800's, the gun focuses more on wood to metal fit, graceful lines and functionality, than it does to fancy embellishment. Surprisingly it has a piece of wood that by modern standards would be considered 'exhibition' grade, something uncommon at the time. Engraving wise the royal coat of arms sits nicely in gold on the action tang, whereas E.M.Reillys own business name seems to dominate the rest of the gun!
The magnificent case was manufactured and fitted out in the French style with no lack of imagination where tooling was concerned! All of the handles are made from ivory with many of the pieces engraved by hand for that extra unique finish. The interior lining is in a striking blue velvet that has been gold leaf embossed with the makers name and address. Interestingly the exterior has a fantastic brass frame, fully engraved, with the central crown of the King sitting above his monogram.
Taken as a whole, this is a package in every way fit for a King.................
Gold inlaid coat of arms for King Alfonso XII.
Presentation case in the French style fitted with full tools and accessories.
Brass framed case exterior, unusual for a British cased gun.
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Javed Ahmed Zahid on March 6, 2018 at 6:31 pm
Alas,magic i think e m reilly should had given best maker award at that time…..Mind Blowing
Peter Buckley. on November 18, 2017 at 12:01 pm
Hi Trigger
What a glorious combination of gun, timber, tools, and that case, in its time certainly ‘fit for a King’!
The makers name and address definitely “makes a statement”!!
Would it have used both paper and brass cases?, the crimping tool in the photo with the mould makes me assume that the rifle ball would have been crimped in place in a brass case.
Wonderful photos, and something else ‘just’ passing through the factory!
Best regards. Peter.
Brian Taylor on November 18, 2017 at 1:25 pm
One thing that jumps out at me is that the writing (maker’s name) above the barrels reads from the right side. What is the norm? And does it differ for a left handed gun?
Neill on November 16, 2017 at 7:34 pm
Scrummy!!! You guys seem to be spookily good at finding such gems! Speaking as a man whose firearm fantasies greatly exceed his wallet, I am so grateful just to see the pictures.
Trigger on November 20, 2017 at 1:57 pm
Hi Brian
Good point. Under normal circumstances this lettering would be how we engrave a left handed gun. We always offer this to left handed clients, but more often than not they stick with the traditional from muzzle to breech reading.
Best regards
Trigger