Back when the British Empire was a major Power. There was a Store in London called the Army & Navy Store. That catered to the Officers Class and their needs for good gear for service in the field. (Sadly the store has been shut down long ago!)
So as you can also see they also sold a lot of guns. Since up until quite recently, officers had to purchase their own weapons. Unlike the other ranks (Enlisted to our US Readers), who got issued theirs.
Also like our Army, not all Officers could afford the high prices of Purdey or Holland & Holland. Even back then! Grumpy
