Sunday 25 December 2016

Merry Christmas & Healthy Prosperous New Year

          Embossed and Gilt Cover. Published by J.J.Little & Co., New York 1908 

                                  Merry Christmas

                          Healthy & Prosperous 2017.

                                                   to our global readership.




A big thank you to all those who have made the blog such a great success, especially those who contributed data, photography and made this forum an organic site.


During 2017 we will be adding yet more to this blog. The information already listed is free and has been built from not only from my own research but from many other collectors and able researchers. Where possible these have all been accredited.  Others wishing to remain anonymous.


Although this research centres predominantly on the gunmaker's Ireland we are always pleased to look at material relating to any aspect of the early Irish guntrade.


                             Thanks again and enjoy a peaceful Festive Season.


                                          Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk  



Saturday 24 December 2016

Michael Murphy Gunmaker/Inventor



Michael Murphy

Gunmaker/Inventor

2 Essex Quay

Dublin



                 Michael Murphy noted as the inventor of the Rotary "Top Hat" Multi Shot Pistol.

                              This style of pistol produced predominantly by W& J Rigby   possibly under licence or the Rigby's having bought the rights to produce this style of pistol.

    Inscriptions reads: "Invented by M. Murphy" 

This pistol registered in Dublin City."DC 5307".


We are always interested in knowing of other multi-shot weapons utilising the rotary "Top Hat" percussion ignition system.


Our appreciation to the owner for photography and permission to publish.






Michael Murphy originally listed by M.S. Dudley Westropp, MRIA. 
Journal Arms & Armour Society, 1957.
Vol.11. No 1.
                                                    Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk





Friday 2 December 2016

1776 Dublin trades directory.



                         Dublin trades directory 

                                      1776.

                                                     Gun-smiths


                               Alley Lewis 15 Cork Hill
                               Dalton Edward College Green
                               Devine Thomas 3 Abbey St
                               Hutchinson Michael 40 Dame st
                               Morton William 31 Skinner Row
                               Rainsford James 29 Dame st
                               Thorp Thomas Darby Sq
                               Wheeler Oliver Lower Castle Yard

          We are always interested in material related to any of the above gunsmiths.

                                  Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Thursday 1 December 2016

Wm & Jn Rigby. Featured Pistol.



Wm & Jn Rigby
Dublin
Featured Pistol

(All Metal)


                                           Rotary "Top Hat" 4 Shot Percussion Pistol c.1829

                                      This weapon registered in County Wexford WX-5589
                                                                      Reverse side
                                                               Barrel & Nipple Key.
                                              Rotary hammer raised in firing postion.
                       
                          Our special thanks to the owner for photography and permission to publish.

For further details relating to this style of pistol please refer to Great Irish Gunmakers Messrs Rigby
1760-1869 by D.H.L.Back. 1992, Historical Firearms.
                                                   
                                                   Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk