William Cole, Gunmaker, Belfast.

William Cole

Gunmaker

Belfast

William Cole Lock.  

                  William Cole notifying his clients of his change of address in 1818.

Trading Dates and addresses:
Cole,William Belfast Antrim 1811-1818         Ann Street Cole,William Belfast Antrim 1818              49 Castle Street Cole,William Belfast Antrim 1820/1824 7 Hercules Street Cole,William Belfast Antrim 1837/38         1 Hercules Place Notes: William Cole was possibly trained by John Gardner, Gunmaker, Ann Street, Belfast. Gardner's name appears with other spellings i.e., Gardener and Gardiner. John Gardner and William Cole were in partnership for a small period and guns can be found marked.  " Gardner & Cole" The period at 49 Castle Street appears a very temporary location. This in all probability due to fact that William  Cole was undertaking a major investment at 7 Hercules Street. As we have expressed in previous blogs it would appear that not only was the street renamed but the number altered also to No1 Hercules Place. William Cole was a major manufacturer in Belfast and barrels found marked "WC" are possibly of his manufacture? William Cole ultimately sold out to Joseph Braddell in c.1838. Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk