Ramrod Antiques recently purchased a very unusual 14 Bore Flintlock Carbine by "Griffin" circa 1750. One of the earliest for this period with a hook breech. Apparently a French invention circa 1722. The barrel configuration with the sight approx 2.5" from the muzzle and no proof marks infers it may have been an imported barrel. Both Benjamin and later Joseph Griffin were known to have imported barrels at this time in the mid to late eighteenth century. A rare beast. I've since been made aware of another held at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire. My thanks to John Evans and Brian Godwin of the National Trust for photographs.
Upper recently purchased for restoration. Below Courtesy J. Evans. Kedleston Hall Collection.

Irish Country Sports and Country Life Magazine New Article.

The latest edition of the above magazine is now available and will be until December 3rd 2012.

Always packed with features and facts relating to Fieldsports and Life Style in the whole of Ireland.

I am pleased to be associated with this great publication and my latest article can be found on page 125.

In this edition I have combined the history of the Calderwood family of gunmakers with Vampires. Irish blood and the Australian connection.

My thanks to all the team at Irish Country Sports and Country Life Magazine especially Paul Pringle and Albert Titterington.