William Edwards. Gunmaker.

William Edwards

Gunmaker

Dublin

1776- 1798.

Advert from 1776 

Interestingly here we can see that William Edwards was apprenticed to the late 

Mr Matthew Collins (d.1770) which indicates he was apprenticed from c.1765.  

           His other training/improving period being in London with "the celebrated" Twigg from c.1770 through to 1775. Thereafter opening in his own right in Dublin in 1776.

Advert from 1780

William Edwards first trades directory entry for 1777.

Alley	Lewis		15 Cork Hill
Dalton	Edward		College Green
Divine	Thomas		3 Abbey St
Edwards	William		5 Palace St
Hutchinson	Michael		40 Dame st
Morton	William		31 Skinner Row
Rainsford	James		29 Dame st
Thorp	Thomas		Darby Sq

It is always a concern when gunmaker's disappear from the records in the Rebellion year of 1798! 

Mr M.S. Dudley Westropp lists a number of gunmakers that were taken as rebels to the Pigeon House in Dublin Castle never to reappear! 

William Edwards in his final year took his son Thomas into the business.We will consider 

this gunmaker in a future blog. The reference to William Edwards & Son is noted by 

F.Carroll in Irish Gunsmiths and Sword Cutlers. Vol 3 , No. 10 1957. 

William Edwards originally listed by M.S. Dudley Westropp, MRIA. 

Journal Arms & Armour Society, 1957.

Vol.11. No 1.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk