Becoming Historic & Scarce

[Strangely Brown]

Chris Fantastic to meet you, if only electronically!

I had a discussion with Jim Hallam regarding your father about a year ago and have yet to visit the museum to see your Dads papers.

My own rifle is No X5833 and I wonder if any further information survives in your fathers records. This particular rifle is fitted with an early Swing rear sight and a Wilks front sight.

Transitional target rifles are my particular interest and both the Hart and your Fathers "Whitaker Special" are by far the two most interesting conversions that were done in that period.

[chrisipj]

Hi,

Re your rifle X5833 yes it is recorded the details are.

X5833 SPECIAL 61st MADE, AFRO STOCK 14 1/8 INCH. 20T PROOF. H/S 1.627. BARREL F'LACH WILKS SIGHT
DELIVERED 17/7/1974 COST £84.50 OWNER BRADFIELD CCF.

Additionally it would appear it was acquired by Bert on the 27/5/74 from Foultons as a 303

When I have time I will photo the page.

Chris

[ovenpaa]

Now that is just amazing, the internet never ceases to surprise me. What are the chances of someone finding this forum and mentioning a rifle and then the person holding the records also finding the forum and posting the details?

[Strangely Brown]

£84.50!

I'v been done, Fultons charged me £200 for it.

[ovenpaa]

£84.50!

I'v been done, Fultons charged me £200 for it.

:lol: Oddly enough we have just picked up a new rifle from Fultons that was considerably cheaper than from the importers, I am still confused :?

[Christel]

Yeah, I keep thinking, "what is wrong with it"?

It does shoot, we have tried it.

Hmm...

[chrisipj]

Some further information I have found is Bert Whitakers CV which may clear up a few unknowns.

http://www.melsim.co.uk/cv1.jpg
http://www.melsim.co.uk/cv2.jpg

I have not been able to understand how to add an image yet!


Chris Whitaker

[Robin128]

I noticed your discussions on the Whitaker Special.
Bert Whitaker was my father and I remember Geoff Hart as they were both in the gun business and shot together.
I still have his gun records and some information plus a "Deacted" Special for memories. I will help with any questions as far as I am able.

Chris Whitaker

Must have missed you joining... Welcome to the forum!

[tikkathreebarrels]

I like Canons too.

After years of struggling with non SLR digitals I sprung for an EOS 500D last year, I'm so much happier with a real SLR with real time shutter operation. Its almost like using a proper camera with film in it.

Do we need a photography thread? Oh go on, let me start one off. Come and find it people.

[Strangely Brown]

I like Canons too.

After years of struggling with non SLR digitals I sprung for an EOS 500D last year, I'm so much happier with a real SLR with real time shutter operation. Its almost like using a proper camera with film in it.

Do we need a photography thread? Oh go on, let me start one off. Come and find it people.

Having been in the photo industry since leaving the army 37 years I would rather just talk rifles!