Thomas McQuoid. Newtownards. Gunsmith.

Thomas McQuoid

Gunsmith

Newtownards

County Down.
c.1770

McQuoid converted fowling piece.
.730 Bore. (12 bore).
40" Barrel with London Proof Marks.

Thomas McQuoid to sideplate.

                        Lockplate showing the conversion from flintlock to percussion.
                                                                   c.1820

Decoratively engraved buttplate with County Londonderry registration number.

                                                                                 (L-Y 6132)


Interestingly the buttplate is engraved with banners and trophies (Cannon). This indicating that the weapon may have been attached to a militia or volunteer force. Possibly to provide for the "pot". 

This fowling piece being very light to handle. Fully stocked. Shell engraving around barrel tang. Silver teardrop foresight. "V" sighting notch to the breech. Unusually early in having three flat cross bolts retaining the barrel which also has a hooked breech.  

Hook Breech. NB: We have been unable to locate a patent for the hook breech but it is believed to be a french invention c.1745. 

Percussion System/Detonator
Wildfowlers were the first of the shooting fraternity to take the "detonator" seriously and it is stated that the Shalmalier Men, those hardy souls, who shot under the waterline around Wexford Harbour who were quick to offer up their guns to be converted from flint.

                     The reference to "Water-Shooting"  also of interest to the wildfowler.

Thomas McQuoid , Gunsmith is noted here as a contact with respect to the return of a left handed lock fowling piece made by John McCormick, Belfast.

               We are always interested in any weapons produced by the above gunmakers.

                                                   Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk