THE BRITISH BOXLOCK GUN AND RIFLE. By Diggory Hadoke.

2012 1st edition. Large 4to (225 x 283mm). Pp224. Colour photographs throughout, b/w illustrations, photograph end-papers. Blue boards, spine titled in gilt.

This is a detailed account of the development of the boxlock, with descriptions of the action's many variations as well as much practical information for owners and would-be owners of, especially, vintage examples. Chapters include: Development - John Deeley, Willima Anson, Westley Richards, the ground-breaking patent, victorian rivals; Consolidation - various types and uses, design changes for the production line, the most successful boxlocks, demise of the British boxlock; The boxlock owner's guide - identification, evaluating condition, establishing original quality, checking for wear and repair, disassembly, handling qualities, stocking, cost of maintenance, buying a boxlock; Famous firms and their boxlocks - Holland and Holland, Charles Lancaster, Purdey, Cogswell and Harrison, Boss and Robertson, Bonehill, William Powell, W.W. Greener, Westley Richards, Army and Navy, Rigby, William Evans, Charles Osbourne, Webley and Scott, Frederick Beesley, Thomas Bland, provincial masterpieces; The 21st century boxlock - Boxall and Edmiston, Westley Richards, W.W. Greener, Tony White, A.A. Brown's last boxlock? Detailed, interesting and practical.