Daniel Muley Gunmaker

Daniel Muley

Gunmaker

Dublin

1785-1827

A Pair of Swan Neck Cocked, Half Stocked, Flintlock Duelling Pistols once owned by Thomas Letts. These details being inscribed to the brass plaque to the inner lid. In addition, they are complete with the registration licence dated 5th January 1844 detailing Thomas Letts as the owner on licence W-X 4603 & 4604 . Photography courtesy Jim Berry.

Licence issued to Thomas Letts on the 5th day of January 1844. The licence states he has two pistols. No other details are contained in the document regarding the gunmaker, bore size, ignition system etc..! This in itself was a loophole in the legislation.

n

Daniel Muley Dublin Trading Addresses: 1785-1793 44 Great Ship Street 1794-1811   28 Parliament Street 1812-1827 32 Townsend Street We are always pleased to discuss pistols and guns produced by this gunmaker or matters arising. Dave Stroud. R.A..

Trulock & Son, Gunmakers,

Trulock & Son

Gunmakers

152 Capel Street

Dublin

Trade label for Trulock & Son. Private Collection.

The above Trulock & Son trade label was used for the period 1823-1832. In the February of 1832 Trulock & Son moved premises to 9 Dawson Street where they were to remain until the closure of the business in 1915. However, the business went through a number of name changes.

Interestingly, Trulock & Son maintained this same format of trade label following the move and merely changed the bottom line address to 9 Dawson Street. In the Trade Directories for this period they were listed as; Trulock, William & Son until Williams death in 1842 when they became E. Trulock & Son. (Elizabeth, Widow) for the period 1843-1853.

So synonymous with the Dublin guntrade were Trulock & Harriss. They traded 1854-1897.
The final name change came in 1897 when Richardson entered the business. (Trulock, Harriss & Richardson). This was a difficult time in the Dublin guntrade and 1898 saw the incorporation of John Rigby & Co.. into the T.H.& R business.

We are always pleased to know of any original Irish Gunmakers trade cards/labels or relevant details pertaining to the Irish Guntrade. Contact: 07818 4702123 or (E) davejwstroud@hotmail.com

Previous articles on trade labels. Link attached.

http://www.downnews.co.uk/the-irish-gunmakers-and-their-hidden-legacy/

Courtesy of downnews.co.uk

Dave Stroud R.A..
 

The General Post Master & Dublin Castle. Reward.

The Post Master General & Dublin Castle issue £200 Reward & Free Pardon.

October 17th 1786.

Reading the above just puts into focus the reason why so many firearms were issued to the 

mail coach teams. The desperados in this case a gang of five robbed the postbags of Cork & Kinsale  at midnight on the 14th October 1786. The reward of £200 was, at this time ,a colossal amount of money. 

Both the Post Master General & Dublin Castle meant business with this proclamation.

A Mail Coach Blunderbuss supplied by Matthew Goggin. 

Gunsmith and Armourer to the General Post Office.

Dave Stroud. R.A..

Heroism of an Irish Landlord.

London Illustrated News circa 1845.

The Blunderbuss in Ireland.

The Blunderbuss in Ireland

 Lord John Russell in his continuous struggle to control the unsettled counties of Ireland.

Not only was the Blunderbuss seen as a good deterrent against domestic burglars it was used largely by the mail and coaching companies and the newly formed prison service.

All this fascinating social history for us today.. but for the traveller in 1809 the most important.. and it is in capital letters,  with an exclamation mark, "WITH A GUARD!".

If this didn't satisfy you then the advertisement below offered double security!

Emphasis this time on "TWO GUARDS,WELL ARMED" between Fermoy and Clonmel.

What a rough and tough part of he country that must have been in 1808!

   One of the largest markets for the blunderbuss were the expanding mail and passenger coaches which gradually networked across the country in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The "Footpads" or Highwaymen such as Bold Brennan* finding their way into Irish folklore.

The majority of blunderbusses found today are flintlock with brass barrels and by the time the percussion system became popular circa the 1820's  the blunderbuss had fallen out of favour as unwieldy and the double- barrelled percussion carbine had taken its place. 

* http://snap.waterfordcoco.ie/collections/efolders/158139/158139.pdf

In a recent survey connected with the Irish Registration Act of 1843, the authors findings indicate that over sixty percent of blunderbusses found registered were of either of Irish manufacture or attributed to an Irish Gunmaker. This meaning that the weapon was either produced in Ireland or bought in from the mainland and merely engraved with the Irish gunmakers name. 

The first blunderbusses produced in Ireland appeared just prior to the turn of the 17th century. 

An early 18th century example can be seen in the lower plate.

This blunderbuss having once been fitted with a "dog-lock". This early form of cock safety being popular at this time. The hole for the pivot- hook being behind the cock. (Hook Lacking).

Early 18th Century Brass Barrelled Blunderbuss by William Guinness.  circa (1710-1720).

This weapon having been registered under the 1843 Act in Co: Tipperary,  ST 406.

Photography Courtesy Bonhams.

We are always pleased to know about any blunderbusses registered under the 1843 Act whether Irish or other.

Dave Stroud. R.A..

T

  

The Irish and Duelling Pistols

The Irish Code Duello of 1777 and all that!

London Illustrated News Cartoon circa 1845. (John Leech?)

In my continuing search for data relating to the Irish guntrade one thing is certain, The Irish took the  duel to their hearts. It is stated many times, in print, that the Dublin gunmakers produced more duelling pistols than any other city of similar size! This, in itself seems Irish blarney but there is no doubt the Irish produced their fair share of the deadly dueller. Not only did Dublin and provincial Irish trade engage in making duelling pistols, they made extremely good, high quality and ingenious forms of this art form.

You may ask, how can we see a killing machine as an art form?.. Well if your life depended on a weapon that would answer its call on a chosen day. Be it wet, Be it hot... or Be it that your opponent is a renowned crack shot. You required a pistol in your hand that would level and shoot with urgency, accuracy and only the top quality gunmaker's met all these critical criteria.

If we were to salute the major Irish manufacturers of the dueller in the 18th and 19th  centuries we would be quoting;  John Rigby, Farrell Mc Dermott,George Turner and Nicholas Clarke to mention a few. The list is large indeed and throughout these blogs we will explore the duellers made in Ireland. It should not be overlooked that the gunmakers of London and the provinces did have a large influence on the Irish gunmakers i.e., Wogdon, H.W. Mortimer and Griffin & Tow. However, the Irish did add a certain panache to their weapons.

For those not au fait with the Code Duello please refer to:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_duello

A cased set of fine half stocked flintlock duelling/target pistols by Mc Dermott. Elegant french cocks, roller frizzens,set triggers and the classic saw-handled grips. Private Collection.

Thank you for all the suppliers of information via the attached link.


Dave Stroud. R.A..

George Whitfield: Gunmaker.

George Whitfield

Gunmaker

Belfast & Sydney

George Whitfield traded from various addresses within Belfast:

 1819-1824         38 Ann Street

1824-42                 Ann Street

1831                 Skipper Lane

In 1834 he sailed to Australia on the Princess Victoria to start a new life.

As can be seen from the street plan below George Whitfield opened a new Gunmaking establishment in King Street, Sydney. However, he not only started his new life there but also ended his life on the pavement outside this shop.

See Link: 

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1301&dat=18641121&id=pbEQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=F5EDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7260,6438309&hl=e

----------------------------------------------

King Street, Sydney 1848

Street Plan as published in Sydney in 1848 by J Fowles. By Courtesy:  Berkelouw Books, 3020 Old Hume Highway, Berrima. N.S.W 2577., Australia.

Interestingly, Patrick McGlynn was an ex employee of George Whitfield and he went onto open a gunmaking establishment in close proximity in York Street. Opposite at 72 King Street is "Pattison" (William Pattison: 1844-1851) .William Pattison having left Newtown Limavady, Co: Londonderry, Ireland in 1827. He established his new gunmaking business in  King Street , Sydney in 1828 to the annoyance of Mr George Whitfield. He obviously also had issues with Patrick McGlynn. The man who would ultimately take George Whitfield's life!


George Whitfield trading addresses in Sydney:

85 King Street 1844-1845
83 King Street 1846-1851
6   King Street  1855
3   King Street  1857.

These dates and other references courtesy of Firearmsmuseum.org.au

                                         4th Model,  54 Bore Tranter Revolver Retailed by George Whitfield.                                                   Cannon House, King Street, Sydney, Australia. 

 Tranter 4th Model showing George Whitfield's  address. Private Collection.


As with other major cities and towns at this time the urban expansion led to door number changes rather than the complete moving of premises.

The period between 1834-1844 looks to have been the  period when George Whitfield and John Samuel Lambard were in partnership?

A sad and tragic story but one of so many throughout the Irish diaspora.

My thanks to all the aforementioned for material.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Obadiah Wisdom: Gunmaker.

Obadiah Wisdom
Gunmaker
106 West Street
Drogheda
Co: Louth

Obadiah Wisdom Percussion Overcoat Pistol. Private Collection.

This pistol from first appearances looks to be a conversion (Flintlock to Percussion) but on closer examination it can be seen as having been made on what was a flintlock sideplate and never was a flintlock. This was a very common occurrence due to the overlap with the two ignition systems. The gunmakers were forced to utilise the stock in hand. This pistol with a drum and nipple fitted.  Odadiah Wisdom has been wrongly listed by many collectors/writers. i.e., Wisdon/Widson.

This pistol is of interest not only because of this gunmaker but because of its overall condition and the fact that it was registered in County Londonderry under the 1843 Registration Act.

(LY 112).

Obadiah Wisdoms trading dates in Drogheda are circa 1795- 1822.

Anyone with guns/pistols by this gunmaker we would be pleased to hear from you.

Dave Stroud. R.A..

Pigou & Wilks : Counterfeiting!

Counterfeiting Continued!

Pigou and Wilks

Dartford

Gunpowder

In yesterday's blog we looked at the problem F. Joyce were experiencing with respect to their name being applied to counterfeit powders etc.. and these items being offered in Ireland.

In this advertisement placed in September 1833, a year earlier than F. Joyce's complaint ( yesterdays blog).. we find Pigou and Wilks, manufacturers of Dartford Gunpowder having uncovered the fact that not only were spurious gunpowders being sold as theirs but the labels attached were copies and this had meant a re-design of the said label in order to make counterfeiting more difficult!

In addition, Pigou & Wilks had taken this issue to law and that in future all Importers would  be licensed annually.

Advertisement from the Cork Evening Herald, September, 1833.

The above list of importers are predominately merchants but two gunmaker's are noted, namely

Joseph Bowles of Cork and William Richardson of Limerick. 

Bowls found with differing spellings.

I have an article being published in the Classic Arms & Armour Magazine this October which looks at Joseph Bowles/Bowls and other Early Corke Gunmaker's in some depth.

We are always pleased to know of any snippets of information relating to the Irish guntrade.

Dave Stroud. R.A..

F. Joyce : Counterfeiting!

Counterfeiting not a new phenomenon!!

This advertisement placed by F. Joyce in the Cork Evening Herald in 1834 was aimed at protecting their market for "Anti-Corrosive Percussion Powder" etc.. 

"Several individuals are hawking Caps & Co to the trade"

A very earlier percussion cap tin for Frederick Joyce c.1830

Clients being advised to use bonafide dealers i.e., Messrs: Bowls, Richardson and Cleary of Cork, Boyd of Limerick and every respectable Gunmaker in England, Ireland and Scotland.

F.Joyce were not alone in having their products copied as will be seen in tomorrow's blog.

Our thanks to the owner for photography of the percussion cap tin and permission to publish.

We are always pleased to hear from anyone with snippets of information regarding the early Irish guntrade.  

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Cork Male Shot!

Man Proposes: God Disposes

A late 18th century newspaper cutting from Cork. 

T & W Ford, Cork Merchants.

T & W Ford

40 Patrick Street

Cork

1833

This advert from 1833 indicates the popularity of shooting " Percussion" guns at this date. Forsyth having invented the detonating system was soon to be producing, by the late 1820's, very high quality backaction lock percussion shotguns. The Military were slow to adopt the percussion system. The first official percussion rifle being the Brunswick in 1846. 

It was the hardened wildfowlers who soon saw the benefit of the new ignition system and the Shelmalier men, who shot under the waterline around Wexford Harbour, were renowned for quickly enhancing the new system and passing up their beloved old flintlocks

In the advert above we see English "Fluted" and French Caps in use and Sykes accoutrements for sale. All through what was a "General Fancy Warehouse".

We are always pleased to see early adverts from Ireland relating to the guntrade.

Dave Stroud. R.A..

Peter Vickers: Gunmaker.

Peter Vickers

Gunmaker

10 Aungier Street

Dublin

Very little is known of Peter Vickers but the above newspaper cutting of September 29th 1826 does throw just a little light on a gunmaker who appears to have traded for quite a short period. His first listing in the trade directories of Dublin being 1822. Therefore, we can assume he was in business circa 1821. In the Thom's Directory for 1824 he is known as "Vickars" but in the Pigot & Co., of  the same year he is listed as "Vickers". The fact that this "Mislaid or Stolen" "Vickers" Double Barrelled Flintlock Shotgun along with its Mahogany Case was having to be reported through  William & John Rigby's , 19 Suffolk Street, Dublin offices indicates that Vickers was no longer trading at 10 Aungier Street, Dublin by the time this advertisement was placed?

Gunmakers

Pigot & Co Trade Directory for 1824 showing Vickers at 10 Aungier Street.

We are always pleased to hear about any pistols/guns produced by this gunmaker.

Dave Stroud. R.A..

Wm. Kavanagh: Gunmaker.

William Kavanagh

Gunmaker

4 Lower Ormond Quay

Dublin

Photograph Private Collection.

Kavanagh's were one of the most eminent gunmaking families trading in Dublin throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. 

I wrote an article for the Muzzle Loaders Association of Great Britain which includes the trading dates for each of the Kavanagh 

business's.

These dates are not finite but give a broad overview of all the known connections with this dynasty of gunmakers. Link below:

http://www.mlagb.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/201201_cavanagh.pdf

 Attached are a pair of Target Pistols associated with this family.

The pistols are unusual for target pistols in that they had captive ramrods and the barrels being octagonal yet appearing hexagonal. The top and bottom ribs being very narrow. (see photographs). They date from circa 1840 and were registered under the 1843 Registration Act in South Tipperary. (ST 1306 & ST 1307) 

They were sold through auction in Lincolnshire. 

 Back-Action locks with the classic engraved and etched lockplates. Hammers retained by Bun-Nuts.   Authors Photography.

Octagonal muzzle with captive ramrods. 

Reverse side showing Registration Numbers ST 1306 &St 1307. ( South Tipperary )

A very honest set of pistols in what appears to be their contemporary blue baize lined mahogany case with accoutrements. 

We are always pleased to receive information regarding the Kavanagh family of gunmakers and also news of any weapons registered in Co:Tipperary. Either North or South.

Dave Stroud R.A..

Mara: Gunmakers, Limerick

Mara 

Gunmakers

 Ellen Street

Limerick

A Pair of Mara Percussion Pistols. circa 1840. Private Collection. L.W.

Mara Back Action Lockplate showing popular engraving style. Private Collection. L.W..

There are some forty odd listings for gunmaker's in Limerick over a period of 300 years. Limerick being the third largest gunmaking centre in Ireland after Dublin & Cork.

We have two listings for Mara. Refer below:

Mara, M.   Ellen Street  circa 1838.

Mara. Daniel. Ellen Street circa 1840-1842.

Gunmaker's listed in the Trieniel & Commercial Directory 1840, 1841 & 1842.

Ellen Street, Limerick. The location of Mara's old Premises.(2010)

One common feature with guns from Limerick is the style of engraving. Various Limerick gunmakers utilised it including Colgan. In addition, Kavanagh and Rigby in Dublin were also partial to this style.  

Anyone with Mara pistols/guns or pistols/guns from Ireland with this style of engraving we would be pleased to hear from you.

We are always interested in pistols/guns registered under the 1843 Registration Act within Co: Limerick (LK)..

Dave Stroud R.A..

Matthew Goggin: Gunmaker.

Matthew Goggin,Gunmaker & Armourer to the General Post Office.

Circa 1811-1822
25 Henry Street
Dublin

This Fine Pair of  Goggin Flintlock (French Cocked) Overcoat Pistols are Registered under the 1843 Registration Act to Co: Carlow. CW 1094/1095.

Matthew Goggin was contractor to the General Post Office at the same time as Calderwoods and Thomas Fowler of Dublin. 

Proposal supplied courtesy of T. Leon Barham.
Pair of Goggin Overcoat Pistols. From a Private Collection.

Other features on Goggin and Calderwood to follow.

We are always pleased to know of your pistols/guns/weapons that are marked with Irish Registration Numbers.

Dave Stroud

Birmingham Arms Fair today. Very brisk business. A big thank you to everyone who came to the stand to buy/sell/chat. Photograph Courtesy of Martin Giles.

Great Exhibition 1851.

Great Exhibition 1851

E. Trulock & Son Stand 222 & W & J  Rigby Stand 236.

The Irish Guntrade being represented by the two major suppliers of weaponry in Dublin.

We are always pleased to receive any information regarding these two eminent companies.

Dave Stroud. R.A..

Barrel Proofing in Ireland.

The Making and Proofing of Gun Barrels in Ireland.

In the Corke Journal advertisement below dated 29th March 1756 we have Richard Whitney, Gunmaker of Corke advertising the fact that he was employed in London & Dublin. (implies both)?  He goes onto to notify his customers that he is "now furnished with a choice of English and Dublin barrels which he always proves and engages.....and he constantly employs Women remarkably skill'd in all branches of the trade." !! 

The private proofing of guns/gun barrels in Ireland was common place as can be seen from the above but it is often stated that the Irish did not prove their gun barrels/guns. It would appear that unlike in England where "proofing" became compulsory either through London or Birmingham the Irish were left to their own devices. Most gunmaker's were aware that safe barrels were more easily sold.

To date it has been impossible to find a central point where guns/barrels were proofed in Ireland. Unless this was implemented within Dublin Castle at the Pigeon House? ( No evidence). Certainly most military arms are proofed (via London) but civilian guns/pistols? One thing is for certain many gunmaker's were proofing their own wares.

We are always interested in discussing Irish pistols, gunmaker's and issues arising such as the above.

Dave Stroud. R.A..


 

Irish Registration Act 1843 continued.

The Irish Registration Act 1843.

Wm & Jn Rigby Travelling Pistols ( Magazine Stocks) Registered in  Co: Louth. LH 835.

Another study which consumes a lot of my time is finding and listing Pistols/Guns/Weapons that were "branded" under the 1843 Registration Act. ( Schedule B, 6 & 7 , Vic. Cap 74. Sec 3).
This piece of legislation ran in Ireland (only) for 3 years. 1843-1846 but was almost ignored after 1845 and repealed in November 1846. The first man to throw light on this subject was Oliver Snoddy of the National Museum, Dublin. He wrote a detailed paper which was published in the Arms & Armour Journal.

To date, I have with assistance of many fellow collectors, listed some eleven hundred items that were so marked under this Act.

Above is a copy of the licence that was issued at the Petty Sessions. This licence having been issued in Co: Wexford for a pair or duelling pistols. The property of one Thomas Letts. These pistols being marked WX-4603-4604.   Following the issue of the licence the owner took the licence and said weapons to the police barracks where they were duly marked.

There have been many spin-offs from collating this list of branded arms and one being the above pair of Wm & Jn Rigby Percussion pistols that were at one time separated and through the list and visiting the London Arms Fair we were able to reunite them. Photograph courtesy Leslie Martin

Should you have guns with Irish Registration Numbers we would be pleased to hear from you.

Dave Stroud R.A..

Robert McCormick: Gunmaker.

Robert Mc Cormick, Gunmaker.

23 Abbey Street, 

Dublin.

The above notice was published in the Belfast Newsletter during the early months of 1795
 following the move from Belfast. Mc Cormick is busy trying to tie up the loose ends of his
 move.

He here nominates his two Belfast agents. ie., P.Connor and Roger Mulholland.
Dated March 23rd 1795.

See earlier blogs on Robert MCormick.

We are always interested in pistols or guns manufactured by this gunmaker.

Dave Stroud. R.A..

John McCormick Gunsmith.

 John McCormick 

Gunsmith 

Belfast

During the early months of 1773 John McCormick was in search of a journeyman gunsmith " "that is properly qualified in his business"

In addition, he was seeking an apprentice as advertised in the Belfast Newsletter of 12th February 1773.

John McCormick's son Robert carried on this company and is discussed in an earlier blog.(3/9/2015)

The company was founded in Belfast by John McCormick c.1759.  He died in 1785 and the business was then taken over by his son Robert. In 1794 (refer above) Robert Mc Cormick moved the business to Dublin where he intended "carrying on the Gun-making business in a more extensive and complete manner than formerly" By 1798 (the rebellion year) Robert had moved to America working on Government contracts. He ultimately ended a bankrupt and was jailed. Not a fitting end to one of the masters of the Irish guntrade. His work being some of the finest produced.

We are always keen to discuss any aspect of the early Irish guntrade.

Dave Stroud. R.A..

The Provincial Gun Trade within Ireland.

The Provincial Gun Trade within Ireland.

Having been continually absorbed in the study of gunmakers in Ireland it has always been a frustration to find so little written or published regarding the far flung corners of Ireland. The highest concentration on gunmakers being in either Dublin, Cork, Belfast and Limerick.

Therefore, it is refreshing when details such as the attached are listed. Courtesy of G.A. H. McCoy.

Should you have any details relating to the gunmaker's of Ireland please feel free to contact us.
Confidentiality assured.

Dave Stroud. R.A.