Presented in this lot is a Rare Vintage William Evans Oak Leather and Brass Gun Case, circa 1896 to 1944. William Evans worked for James Purdey for some years prior to 1871, and in 1883 he started his own business at 95a Buckingham Palace Road which, despite the name, was not a very prestigious address. Some London makers, such as Purdey, Boss and Holland & Holland, preferred not to sell second-hand guns at that time; they wanted the public to think their guns were so reliable and highly valued that they were passed from father to son and never came on the second-hand market. William Evans thought differently. In 1887 the firm was able to afford to move to 4 Pall Mall Place. This was of great benefit to the firm because of the number of clubs in the area, especially military clubs; the vast majority of men in the services could not afford new guns from Purdey, Holland or Boss, but William Evans could supply new and second-hand guns of English and foreign manufacture in a range of qualities and prices. In 1896 the firm moved to 63 Pall Mall. At some time the firm was appointed gunmaker to the Duke of Connaught. This oak leather gun case has a fitted interior is lined with red baize bearing paper label, "WILLIAM EVANS Gun & Rifle Manufacturer Late With J. Purdey & Sons, 63, PALL MALL LONDON". Red baize exhibits heavy wear, leather strap for securing stock and barrel displays wear. Exterior leather straps appear to be original and are heavily weathered, exterior leather is weathered and displays wear consistent with age and use. Top has stamped blank for name. Brass corner caps, lock and hasp (no key included) display rich patina as does the leather throughout. Leather handle is weathered. Measures 8.5"W x 32.5"L x 3.25"D, weight is 9lb, 8oz.