Early Gun Controls in Ireland

The Cartoonist's were always quick to bring news of the troubles in Ireland

and in the above example John Leech ( Half Irish) draws the picture of the unruly state of the counties in Ireland where weapons were  perceived to be readily available to all. 

In reality the reverse was true as private ownership of guns in Ireland carried certain restrictions and licences were issued from as early as the late 17th century and continued throughout the 18th and 19th centuries culminating in the infamous Registration Act of 1843.

It was estimated in 1840 that there were three hundred thousand weapons in private hands and with the ongoing unrest the Government thought it prudent to licence them and in addition brand them with the county prefix and the licence number.

This they did over a period of two years. Lord John Russell being responsible for guiding this legislation through the House of Commons. The licenses being issued at the Petty Sessions and the branding implemented at the various Police Barracks where the presses were situated.

Examples:



Co: South Tipperary Registration ST 3779








Co: Clare Registration CL 28 

Co: Cavan Registration C-N 5038

Co: Offaly ( Kings) 1 KS 55






Kings County ( Offaly) were unique in branding their weapons, as they added a prefix to the county by way of indicating to total number of guns on the said licence. In the case above it was a single weapon on licence (1) KS 55.

For further details please refer to our blog of  10/9/2015.

We are always interested in being notified of any weapons you may own that were registered under this Act.

Dave Stroud. R.A..