Does anyone have any information on this gunmaker? I know of the name, but I don't have any reference books available here. Can anyone post anything about him and also make comment on what the quality of his work was generally like?

Stu C

George Gibbs of Bristol was famous for the 505 Gibbs built on a Bolt Action rifle (Magnum Mauser 98)
They made Shotguns, Double Rifles and Single Shots (Falling Blocks).
You should be able to find information in any books on English Shotguns and Double Rifles.
They are a well known company.
Qaulity of work - the guns I have seen have all been very good - in fact I can't remember seeing a
Boxlock Shotgun but all of the Sidelock Shotguns and Boxlock Double Rifles were superb quality.
Hope this helps
500 Nitro

When I was in England in 1992 I spent some time in Bath, England at Crutchingtons shop where they were making the 505 Gibbs and other custom rifles.

Perhaps some of our English members could confirm that they are still there?

I got to spend quite a bit of time with them and observed their rifle making shop and their collection. There were some nice Farquarsons there at that time.

You must not confuse the George Gibbs of turn of the century with present day. If memory serves me correct they are related. They do have some records from the earlier aera George G but was told they lost some during the war. I have a George Gibbs refurbised Krag circa 1925-1930, that was extensivly engraved and reworked by him, but it is very hard to find any accurate records from earlier days. If anybody has more success than I had please pass on learned knowledge. Thanks

I have a copy of a 1927 George Gibbs, Ltd Sporting Rifle catalogue. Indicates the company was established in 1830 and gives 3 different addresses.
1. 39 Corn St, Bristol
2. 35 Saville Row, London
3. Pacific Buildings, Vancouver, B.C.

I suspect the Bristol address is the main workshop and the others just showrooms or agencies.

The catalogue offers Mauser action bolt rifles in both best and second quality. These are available in .256 Gibbs Magnum, .280 Ross, .30-06, .318 Westley Richards, .404 Jeffrey & .505 Gibbs.

Double Rifles are available in 3 grades and chambered in 22HP, .256, .303, .318, .350, .360, .400, .470, .475, .476, .500, .577 & .600.

There's a few testamonials in the catalogue describing the performance of Gibbs rifles. One hunter, in Tanganyika, talks of christening his new Gibbs .505 by taking seven elephants before breakfast one morning!

RJW

My rifle is stamped 35 Saville Row, I believe that was a manufacturers address, the Van BC address I'm sure is just a Canadian importer, the first I believe was a earlier manuf address, probably turn of the century. My rifle is a converted miliary? I believe G Gibbs probably purchased them as new surplus to convert?

After WW1 a lot of the Brit gunmakers used captured surplus Mausers for their rifle build ups. - Dan

sxr6 please drop me a line at mjpetrov@acsalaska.net

I am currently using an old box of Eley kynoch shotgun carts. loaded for George Gibbs ltd. (Gun & Rifle makers) 3 and 4 Perry Road, Park Row, Bristol, 1.
"The Field" paper cased, crimp closure, 30/ 40 years old I reckon.
I believe from memory the firm has not been about since the mid 1970's.
I M Crudgingtons, 7 Green Street, Bath. are still operating as gunshop/smith.

Ten years ago Crutchingtons was operating as a gun maker. Not to fool with words but they were presenting themselves as the manufacturer of the Gibbs 505 and had more than one for sale on the rack.

I also saw their gunshop where they made them.

I don't recall if they had a brochure etc. for the 505.

Stu,
There is a great article on George Gibbs in volume 7, issue 4 of the Double Gun Journal, page 27, winter of 96. The books dont lend to easy scanning so I cant really help there. But here is a quick exverpt from it....

"The firm George Gibbs is ranked among the best fine gunmakers. Gibbs was the first to produce the Farquharson single shot action. Referring to Boothroyds Directory of British Gunmakers I find that J&G Gibbs started their business in Bristol in the year 1835. The style changed to George Gibbs in 1842. The firm moved to several locations in Bristol , finally 39 Corn Street in 1889. This is the address on the barrels of this gun."

JAG

Jag,

Thanks for the reference. I've just begun subscribing to the DGJ, received my first issue a few weekes ago (vol. 13 issue 4 winter2002). I may just order that back issue.

I pick up back issues when ever I see them. You can never have enough DGJ's in the bookcase. Stu you never said why you were asking... Do you find a treasure? Its always interesting to hear were these guns are and who has them.

Regards,
JAG

This went to auction in London last month

http://search.sothebys.com/jsps/live/lot/LotDetail.jsp?lot_id=3YW33

I was making inquiries before I went to see it. After having looking it over, decided it wasn't the project for me. I hope it went to a good home and gets the restoration it deserves. My concern was that someone had already decided to scrap the project. I suspect it may have been put in the "too hard basket".

sxr6

Very interested in your Gibbs Krag - I collect krag sporters. Mike Petrov of Anchorage was in contact with a Canadian collector who had a Gibbs Krag - sent him pictures which he relayed to me. Was that you and your rifle?

Vig