These days most manufacturers are chasing growth by bringing out increasing numbers of products, expanding their ranges, breaking into new territories, upgrading to more modern and automated machines as well as taking on more clients. Not Traditional English Guncases (TEG). They are purposefully staying niche and working slowly, turning out small amounts of handcrafted, exquisitely made best oak and leather guncases and slips as well as made-to-order cartridge belts and boot bags.
MAINTAINING FAMILY TRADITION
A family-owned and run business, Kent-based TEG was established in 1987 by Ian Tomlin. It is now run by his talented son Joe who works as managing director. As suppliers to Britain’s top London gunmakers such as John Rigby & Co., Holland & Holland, Purdey, Boss and McKay Brown, TEG is as busy as ever. “The patents we use are the same as those used at the beginning of the last century, the hand tools are all old, the knives we use for cutting leather all come from the British shoe industry so they too are pretty ancient,” explains Ian, adding: “Each of us can only work on one item at a time, that’s how we keep the quality. We don’t farm anything out. Everything is made in-house.”
A second generation casemaker, Ian originally learnt his trade from his late father Harry and went on to serve a two-year apprenticeship under Brian Laurence at Bryant Guncases in the ‘70s. Just two years after forming TEG, the business became the go-to brand for leather goods for all the London gunmakers. “Once word got out, we really started to establish ourselves. They recognised our passion and attention to detail, in producing firearm accessories for customers who expect the best. My first customer was Paul Roberts at Rigby when they were based on Great Suffolk Street so it is quite nice that that relationship has gone full circle.”
Back in 2020, TEG announced a new partnership with Rigby. Deciding that it was time to take a back seat with the business, Ian felt that it was time to support his son in taking the business in a new direction. After being approached by numerous other investors he felt that Rigby would offer the most fitting partnership going forward. As well as providing financial backing, Rigby is supporting TEG’s expansion in the gun trade.
Discussing the partnership, Joe commented: “It gave us an opportunity to grow, more than we could as a small family business. We can achieve much more having that extra backing from such a strong company. We can take what my father has built and grown - as the best guncase maker in the country, if not world – to the next level, which carries on his legacy. For me I feel a sense of pride to be a part of the company’s growth.”
So, five years on, how is TEG faring today? “We are busier than ever,” explains Joe. “Right now we are focussed on producing guncases for Rigby’s 250th anniversary celebrations this year. We are making a series of very special exhibition grade cases.
EMBRACINGMODERN TECHNOLOGY
Based on the design of sturdy steamer trunks used when the British were colonising the world, traditional guncases take weeks to make. Traditionally, once a gun has returned from hardening, the finisher will reassemble it and prepare a plywood template to be given to the casemaker.
After drawing around the stock, action, barrels and fore-end the template is then cut out of the thin wood using a band saw. The casemaker then uses the template to make the case carcass and lid. However, this template has its limitations. So Joe has modernised this age-old practice by introducing a 3D scanner and printer. “This new technology gives us a far more accurate template to work from and ensures our cases fit the gun perfectly. A plywood template does not tell us the depth of a gun so this new way of working has been revolutionary for us. Plus it means it is far easier for us to create gun cases for people all over the world.”
Once the case is created, it is then lined with soft woolen baize cloth. Every element of the case can be customised, from the colour of the felt, stitching, handles, canvas cover and corners to the type of leather with some opting for exotic skins such as ostrich, alligator, or crocodile. Next, the casemaker cuts the interior blocks to fit the template and achieve the bespoke fit.
Once the gun is received it is placed inside the case and the blocks are adjusted as required. The blocks are then glued into place using traditional animal glue, which has been used for centuries in the English gun trade. The client’s initials or coat of arms are branded onto the leather using heat and foil in the Victorian way. Finally, the case is placed in a protective canvas outer cover and is ready for delivery to the gunmaker or directly to the client.
TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION
TEG is a big supporter of taking on apprentices. Ian admitted however that it is hard work bringing on apprentices, but it is essential. “For every apprentice I take on my hair turns even greyer but if we don’t invest in training the next generation of craftsmen then we will end up only being able to buy cheap Chinese copies,” he explained, adding: “We took on Shaun at the age of 18 and he has been with us for 16 years. Harry, who is 18 years old, has been with us for nine weeks and doing really well. Joe my son has been with us since he was a baby.
Whenever he claimed to be not well enough to attend school we brought him to the workshop. Funnily enough he wasn’t sick that often! He learnt from an early age about our family’s work ethic.
Paying apprentices the right money and training them the right way is imperative. If we all do this in the gun trade then we will continue to lead the world in what we do. If there’s a kid that wants to learn and is willing to work, then give them a chance.”