DB 105 side by side "Not English Make"

On this week’s firearm Friday we have a shotgun not like your standard 410 break action something quite simple and unique 

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the phrase “Not English Make” was legally required to be stamped on imported firearms sold in the United Kingdom. This marking was implemented under British gun control regulations to distinguish foreign-made guns from domestic British firearms, supporting local industry and informing buyers of a gun’s origin and proof status.

Our DB 105 side-by-side (SxS) shotgun with external hammers which were affordable, functional, and designed for everyday rural use.

These shotguns were predominantly manufactured in:

• Belgium (Liège) – A major exporter of budget-friendly firearms. Belgian guns were usually proofed with an ELG mark in an oval, indicating testing at the Liège proof house.
• Spain (Eibar) – Produced similar firearms in both style and cost. Proof marks included an “X” in a shield or “Eibar” stamps.
• France and Germany – Less commonly represented, but some examples have been identified.
• Unknown Origins – Some shotguns bear no identifiers beyond the “Not English Make” stamp, possibly made for export under generic or private-label names.

These were often “cottage-industry” products: parts made in small workshops, later assembled by larger firms and exported—primarily to British wholesalers and hardware stores under “house brand” names.

typically shared the following characteristics:

• Side-by-side barrel configuration (26"–30")
• External hammers and double triggers
• Manual extractors or simple ejectors
• Basic wooden stocks, often with minimal checkering
• Modest engraving, often floral or scroll-patterned
• Stamped proof marks in metric units (mm)

Despite their modest cost, many were well-fitted and hand-assembled, offering tight mechanical tolerances and durability. Though not designed for military or large game use, these shotguns were ideal for:

• Vermin control and farm use
• Small game hunting (e.g., rabbits, squirrels)
• Rural property defense
• Youth or small-framed shooters, due to minimal recoil
• Lightweight carry, making them practical for extended outdoor us

Many were chambered in small gauges such as .410, offering an inexpensive and accessible option for casual or subsistence shooters.

While functional, not all of these firearms are safe to shoot today. Some were made with older steels and are not suitable for modern high-pressure ammunition. A qualified gunsmith should inspect these firearms before any attempt to fire them.

Today, these guns offer insight into transnational arms trade, industrial craftsmanship, and rural life in early 20th-century Britain. Their unassuming utility and understated design have made them enduring artifacts in the history of working-class gun ownership. markings

The “Not English Make” shotgun stands as a symbol of practicality, cross-border manufacturing, and the day-to-day tools of rural life. Though lacking the prestige of higher-end British sporting guns, their role in democratizing firearm access—and the stories of those who used them—remains worthy of recognition. Next time you’re in for a tour check out our 410 and ask out guide about it