Mortimer & Sons (Edinburgh) .32-20 Rook Rifle

Mortimer & Son (Edinburgh) .32-20 Rook Rifle

Mortimer & Son (Edinburgh) .32-20 Rook Rifle. Mortimer & Son (often referred to as Mortimer & Sons) was a highly prestigious, historic Scottish gunmaking firm based in Edinburgh. Originally spawned from a famous lineage of London gunmakers dating back to 1755, the Edinburgh branch established its own legendary reputation for producing exceptionally fine, high-grade sporting firearms, rifles, and shotguns.

History & Timeline

• London Origins: The Mortimer family began making high-end flintlock and percussion arms in London during the mid-18th century, serving elite clients including King George III and the Prince Regent (later King George IV).
• The Move to Edinburgh (1834/1835): Following the death of London gunmaker Thomas Jackson Mortimer, his son Thomas Elsworth Mortimer relocated and opened a business under his own name at 78 Princes Street, Edinburgh.
• Royal Warrants & Medals: The firm quickly grew in prestige, being appointed Gunmaker to His Majesty in 1836 and winning a Prize Medal at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851.
• The “Son” Transition: After Thomas Elsworth Mortimer died in 1860, his widow Emily and son Thomas Alfred Clark Mortimer took over, eventually leading the firm to be styled as Mortimer & Son.
• Merger with John Dickson (1938): The company continued building bespoke firearms into the early 20th century (later incorporating Joseph Harkom & Son) until it was formally merged into John Dickson & Son in 1938.

Historical Edinburgh Addresses

If you are looking at an antique Mortimer casing, barrel engraving, or historical ledger, the address helps date the firearm:

• 1834–1839: 78 Princes Street
• 1840–1853: 97 George Street
• 1854–1938: 86 George Street (Their most famous and longest-standing location)

This is a lovely rook rifle in .32-20. It was originally a .32-20, then sleeved to .22 and then sleeved back to .32-20. It has been refinished at some stage in it’s life. Because of these reasons with it not being in original condition it’s a great price for a lovely rifle. It’s also fitted with a contemporary BSA sight with adjustable aperture.