by Aaron W. Hughey

You might not think of Murray as a world leader.

But you should. Murray is home to Lewis Drake and Associates, which is known worldwide for its antique firearms and sporting goods, and other fine art products.

“We are one of the largest worldwide purveyors of the finest vintage and modern sporting arms,” notes Lewis Drake, owner of Lewis Drake and Associates. “We now offer a wide range of related art and sporting accessories in a variety and quality not available through any other source.”

“During the last decade, our advertising mainstay has been multipage, four color magazine adverts in publications such as the Double Gun Journal, Shooting Sportsman, Sporting Classics, The Robb Report, Muzzle Blasts, and The Gun List,” Drake says.

“January 2000 marked our debut on the Internet,” Drake indicates. “Lewis Drake and Associates has a comprehensive website that includes high-resolution photographs and detailed descriptions of our guns and sporting items, all of which can be ordered online.”

In fact, the Lewis Drake and Associates website is one of the best designed cultural commerce sites on the Internet.
“Site changes are being made almost daily,” Drake adds.

Most companies that move onto the Internet were first established as regular businesses. Reversing that tradition, Lewis Drake and Associates expanded from the web to a more traditional venue.

Building on more than four decades of experience in the antique firearms business, Lewis Drake and Associates recently opened a new, handsomely decorated retail store in Murray, Kentucky.

“The 6,000 square-foot showroom features a display of rifles and shotguns from around the world, along with a variety of artwork and outdoor-related products,” Drake explains. “The new store occupies the entire street-level of a three-story building in downtown Murray.”

Apparently, the building was burned by Union troops at the beginning of the Civil War and was rebuilt shortly after the War. The earliest known picture of the building was taken sometime before 1885.

“With the exception of interior decorating, it remains much the same as in those early pictures,” Drake says.

If you get a chance, you might want to visit the Lewis Drake and Associates website; it features a virtual tour of their new showroom.

“Our unparalleled growth during the last 16 years can be directly attributed to our well-earned reputation for honesty and integrity, our unrelenting pursuit of quality, our meticulous attention to detail in every product we manufacture, and in our detailed, fair, and accurate descriptions of every firearm or artwork we offer to sale,” Drake says.

“What sets us apart from many of our competitors is that we design and manufacture virtually all the items in our line, including leather goods, furniture, glassware, jewelry, knives and tools,” Drake explains.

“We have our own manufacturing facility with highly skilled employees which, while expensive in the short haul, is the only way we can absolutely ensure quality control,” Drake continues. “Because we do our own manufacturing, we can maintain a large inventory so orders can be processed and shipped out immediately.”

In addition to the other products they sell, Lewis Drake and Associates has also ventured into the book business in recent years. They offer several titles that are available in North America exclusively through their company, including London Gunmakers by Nigel Brown and The Early Purdeys by L. Patrick Unsworth.

Along with diversification, Drake believes that one of the keys to success in business, especially in an international market, is providing exceptional customer service.

“Our guarantee is simple,” Drake asserts. “If you are dissatisfied for any reason with any item you purchase from us, just inform us within three working days and then return the item in the same condition as received and we will refund your money with no questions asked.”

“And if you experience any problems, have questions, have difficulty placing an order, or want to offer some constructive criticism,” Drake continues, “by all means contact us.”

Finally, in their spare time, Lewis Drake and his wife Ann are also extensively involved with the Murray Art Guild.

“The Murray Art Guild schedules classes, workshops, shows and sales for the works of members and visiting artists,” Drake notes. “The Guild also conducts painting sessions for members and aspiring artists.”

For additional information about Lewis Drake and Associates, please visit their website at: http://drake.net.