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The Gun Cabinet: William & Son
A shotgun or rifle from William & Son is of a quality and craftsmanship that makes it among the best available.
The result of their expertise is truly a work of traditional British artistry, imbued with romance and mystique, from the beautiful grain brought to life in the carved walnut stock, through to the exquisite detailing of the metalwork and the smoothness of the action. Some 1,000 hours of handcraftsmanship-and several lifetimes of training-goes into each characteristically light and agile gun.
We recently asked William Aspery, chairman and founder of William & Son to recount how he came to the business of fine guns and what we can expect of them in the future.
When did you start William & Son?
William & Son originally started as William R Asprey Esq. in September 1999. I started off working from my home and opened the shop at 10 Mount Street in September 2000.
Did you start making guns under your own name straight away after establishing the new company?
I did, and we made only one pair of guns under the William R Asprey name. I was then sued for trade mark infringement and passing off and so the name changed to William & Son, which is the name we now use on our guns. Since I started the Company I have been fortunate enough to be able to use the same team of gun makers as I had when I was at Asprey and so we still produce a gun that is second to none in quality and very good value when you compare it to the major competition.
Have you found it difficult to break into the Best Gun market?
It is never easy to break into a market that is so steeped in history and tradition, and it does take a long time. We are getting there and we are able to sell all the guns that we make, but we are competing against the history and heritage of other gun makers that goes back for hundreds of years, so in comparison we are the new boys on the block at only 10 years old, but I do come from a family that has a long history of dealing in luxury and quality and this is reflected in what we do now and is appreciated by our clients. I am aiming to create a gun making business and history that will last for a long time to come.
What makes the William & Son different from
other Best London Guns?
I think the difference is that we use more hand work and have gun makers who are highly skilled, experienced and self critical so the attention to detail is top notch. Also as a company we make no compromise on the service we offer and really take great care of our customers in order that we produce exactly what they want. We listen well and give advice where it is wanted and required rather than forcing our opinions on our clients! It is the whole experience from when the client makes the decision to buy a best London gun, to when he, or she, receives it, that we want to make so special, as it is a big investment and as a client you are creating a piece of your own family heritage and something that will go on long after you!
What gun is your best seller as of today?
We are asked primarily for traditional English side by sides with double triggers. We sell these in all gauges but the most popular at the moment seems to be the 20 gauge closely followed by the 28 gauge.
Where I can see a William & Son gun in person
within the United States?
We are represented in the United States by Griffin & Howe and you will be a able to see some of our guns there if you call in advance to make arrangements.
Visit William & Son Online
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