James Murray, Merchant.

Belfast 8th April 1774.

As early as 1774 the wealthy Belfast merchants were importing a " large and general assortment of HARDWARE, with variety of Guns and Pistols and a Quantity of Blister Steel". It would appear that the artisans of Birmingham, Sheffield and Warrington benefitted from this trade as did the Dublin guntrade. Anyone out there know what "Blister Steel" is?

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Wm & Jn Rigby Pistols Serial No 9780 & 9781.

This pair of percussion target pistols recently came up for sale in North Yorkshire.
They were produced by Wm & Jn Rigby, 24 Suffolk Street, Dublin. Interestingly this is the second time I've come across this pair of pistols. First time being in 1995 when they were being offered by Peter Dale in Pall Mall.London.

They are serial numbered 9780/9781 and manufactured in 1847.

In D.H.L Back book on Messrs Rigby the above pistols are described as saw- handled yet these clearly are standard grips?

All the same a very desirable pair of pistols manufactured by the masters of the Dublin guntrade.

Interestingly they were being offered uncased. The case being the property of Ramrod Antiques.
We tried them for size!!! Barrel length too short and the case too early for these pistols. (pre 1830).

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Daniel O'Connor, Gunmaker.

William & John Rigby trained many of the well known gunmakers in Dublin

Daniel O'Connor of 3 North Srtreet being an example.

In the 1835 Trade Directory for Dublin no less than nine gunmaker's were ex employees of W & J Rigby. Namely: Joesph Anglin, John Aston, Martin Flanagan, Henry Harris, Edward McLaughlin,Thomas Quinlan, George Smith, Richard Tuite and Robert Willett. Many of these makers subcontracted work from the Rigbys and made guns/pistols to the "Rigby" style and design.

1835 Dublin Trade Directory

Sporting Ammunition. Skibbereen.

Two adverts from the 1860's showing the popularity of shooting in County Cork.

These advertisements placed by Mrs Vickery in the Skibbereen & Carbery Eagle Newspaper. This being only 10 years following the introduction of the Pinfire Breech-Loading Cartridge.

We are always interested in early advertisements relating to the Irish Guntrade.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

T. Richardson & Sons

A recently purchased Cork gunmaker's trade label for T. Richardson & Sons.

We are always keen to buy original Irish Gunmaker's trade cards/labels.

                 This label from the period c.1855-1876. This label from a pinfire shotgun case.

Irish Gunmaker's Trade Labels.A rare find?

For those out there interested in Irish Gunmakers I will in due course be adding a few pieces of additional data regarding rare trade labels that I have either purchased or been given access to.

The attached label being for Joseph Braddell of Belfast. This being one of the earliest labels known for this gunmaker. Joseph Braddell bought out William Cole in circa 1839 and thereafter moved his business to 17 Castle Place. This label and pair of pistols are from circa 1845. Courtesy of Leslie Martin.

We  are always pleased to discuss any aspect of the early Irish Guntrade. If you have any data or in particular Irish Gunmakers Trade Cards/Labels we would be pleased to hear from you.

Regards

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk