Friday 30 November 2018

Boxer Cartridge Inventor. 1866

Comment:-


“ There is no reason why Ireland should not furnish a succession of crack riflemen to compete at Wimbledon; and we may mention it as a further interesting circumstance that the cartridge known as the Boxer cartridge, which is to be used in the Snider converted rifle, is, according to our information, the invention of a Dublin gunsmith, Mr. Rigby.”

Freemans Journal 31st August 1866.
Information courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Monday 26 November 2018

Wm & Jn Rigby. Six Shot Revolver.


Wm & Jn Rigby

Gunmakers

Dublin.


Wm & Jn Rigby cased 60 bore, 6 shot pepperbox revolver No 10324 for 1851.
Image courtesy of Bonhams.

Refer to D.H.L Back. Great Irish Gunmakers Messrs Rigby 1760-1869.
Page 132. This pistol sold to H. Porter. Sold following or during the Great Exhibition of London.

Two Irish Gunmakers were exhibitors at the Great Exhibition namely Wm & Jn Rigby and Trulock & Sons and both were awarded medals for the standard of their workmanship.

Bonhams having previously sold a similar lot Serial No 10327 for 1851.

Ramrod Antiques wrote a detailed article covering the variants of this type of revolver made by the Rigby's and this article is available by request. 07818 470123 or by email davejwstroud@hotmail.com

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk





Sunday 25 November 2018

John Wheelock. Gun-Maker. 1836

 

John Wheelock

Gunmaker

Wexford

Wexford Independent 7th May 1836.
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older post with respect to this gunmaker dated:21/10/2016, 2/10/2016 & 20/9/2016.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Saturday 24 November 2018

Warning to Birmingham Gun-Makers. Belfast 1912.




Warning to Birmingham Gun-Makers.


The Birmingham gun-makers have been seriously disturbed by an order by the Chief Constabulary of the City calling attention to the fact that certain parts of Ireland are proclaimed, and that the Peace Preservation Act makes it an offence for any unlicensed person to possess arms or ammunition. Gun- maker’s are officially requested not to supply arms or ammunition to persons in the proclaimed districts unless they have licenses. The Birmingham gun-manufacturers maintain that as long as they fall in with the Custom House regulations and declare that they are forwarding weapons and cartridges to Ireland the Royal Constabulary must ascertain whether or not the purchaser has a license. The trade complain of the legislative restrictions which shut out English trade and allow foreign competitors to carry on business. It is pointed out that if Birmingham gun-makers are to go through the form of cross-questioning every customer the inevitable result will be that the gun trade of Ireland will be transferred to Belgium, where the gun-makers executing orders will merely be required by the home Government to acquaint the Customs authorities with the fact that they are sending arms. At present it is estimated 100 Birmingham gun-makers are doing trade with Ireland, and any efforts to divert the business will be severely felt.

Belfast Newsletter 27th October 1912.
Information courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Friday 23 November 2018

Joseph Braddell & Son. The "Meteor".




Ballymena Observer 24th November 1911.
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older posts with respect to this prolific Belfast gunmaking company.
Dave Stroud.  ramrodantiques.co.uk

Thursday 22 November 2018

Joseph Thompson. Londonderry/Derry. 1858


Joseph Thompson

Gunpowder Merchant

Londonderry.

Derry Journal. November 1858.
Image courtesy of Derry Central Library.

Joseph Thompson having formed this business in 1856.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Wednesday 21 November 2018

T. Richardson & Sons. Gun-making in Cork. 1858.




Gun-Making in Cork.

Cork Examiner 1858.

Some three or four years since, we drew public attention to the fact that a regular gun factory had been established in this city by the firm of T.Richardson & Sons. We then described, in detail, the information of the factory, and the manner in which the division-of-labour principle was carried out in its various workshops; and we then anticipated the success which, we felt convinced, was certain to follow from enterprise in the right direction. Since then we have not lost sight of this interesting branch of local industry; and have very lately renewed our enquiries as to its progress, we are happy to state that the anticipations which we formed, upon a first inspection of the establishment of the Messrs. Richardson,
 have been far outstripped by the reality. In fact, the Cork-made gun has already acquired a far more European reputation; and at this moment, as we shall prove, it is as well known in India as the guns of the first houses in London.
Messrs Richardson began on the wisest and soundest principle,- they resolved to make none but the best article, and to this determination they have steadfastly adhered. And, in order to secure the best guns, they employ none but first-class workmen- each workman being perfect in the execution of his special task. It is interesting to follow the rude tube of metal, and the shapeless piece of timber, through their progress and completion, until, after having been submitted to a variety of processes more or less ingenious, the rude tube of metal and the shapeless piece of timber are moulded into a beautiful and highly-finished instrument, precious in the estimation of the sportsman.
The gun goes through eight or nine hands before it is finished. In the first place, it is given to the “break-off fitter”; then it passes to the “rough stocker”; next to the “screwer –together” ; then to the “percussioner” ; then to the “polisher” ; after him the “engraver” who sends it back to the polisher, to “case harden” and “blue”; the polisher passes it to the “finisher”, who finally puts the gun together. Nor do its travels stop with the finisher; for it has to pass through the hands of the foreman, who inspects it with critical eye, and has lastly to be submitted to the head of the establishment, Mr Richardson, himself. One would suppose that the vigilance of the foreman and the master was sufficient to ensure the best work in each department and in every process; but the system adopted is far more stringent and comprehensive, inasmuch as each workman through whose hands the guns passes has a direct and personal interest in scrutinising the work of the man who has gone before him. The explanation is simple enough. The man that passes bad work without notice, although that bad work has been done by another, is liable for that bad work, and loses the amount paid for the labour expended upon it. For instance, if the percussioner take the gun from the screwer, and there is a defect in it owing to the fault of the screwer, and that the percussioner passes it without notice, and the finisher afterwards finds out the defect,- in that case the percussioner is held liable, and not the screwer- the man who overlooked the bad work of his predecessor, and not the man whose bad work it was. It is plain, therefore, that each man is cautious in scrutinising the work of his fellow-workman, as he is in the perfection of his own. Of course, it is not to be supposed that the practical testing of the gun is delayed until it reaches its last stage. It is tried in its rough state, after being percussioned; before much labour has been employed upon it, and therefore before much expense has been incurred. There are, for instance, three classes of double-barrelled guns—the “keeper” gun, the second class gun, and the best gun. The first when finished always in a plain style, is valued at 9 guineas; the second is valued at 16 guineas; the best reaches as high as 25 guineas. Tried in their rough state, if the “keeper” gun do not shoot to 50 pages, in a book used as a target it is rejected. The second must shoot 60, and the best 65.  
The “keeper” may go, and usually does go, to the 60 pages, and the second may go 70; but if either do not penetrate the required number of pages, the barrel is at once laid aside, and another selected and tried. Submitted to so severe an ordeal as that which we have described, two useful results follow, - that the work is well executed in all its details, and that the gun shoots well.
Indeed the Cork-made gun of Messrs Richardson was severely tested in the course of last year, when it came off with distinction. A gallant officer of the 36th Regiment challenged Mr Richardson, the working head of the firm, to try one of his best guns against a first-class Manton, possessed by the officer. Mr Richardson accepted the challenge, and the result was in favour of the Cork-made gun, for penetration and close shooting. The Cork-gun went through seven pages more than the London gun.
The same Manton was tested on a subsequent occasion with the Richardson, and some eight or nine other guns, which their owners – officers of the garrison – looked upon as first-class; and , although the Manton beat all the other guns, save the Richardson, the Richardson thrashed the entire of its competitors, the Manton, included!
Now, lest any doubt whatever may attach to this seemingly boastful statement, we quote a document of very great value, as conclusive testimony of the superiority of guns of Messrs Richardson:-

“Cork Barracks, May 8th 1857.

“We  the undersigned Officers of the 36th Regiment, beg to recommend Messrs T.Richardson & Sons, Gun Manufacturers, they having made several guns for us, each of which has given us much satisfaction, as to finish, price and particularly the shooting qualities; in which latter we find them superior to guns by other makers of the highest repute, after carefully testing both:-
“W.R Rainsford, Captain, 36th Regt,
“C.Woodright, Captain, 36th Regt.
“F .H.Orange Lieut., 36th Regt.
“J.O.W. Scott, Ensign, 36th Regt.
“Lyndhurst B. Towne, 36th Regt.
“R.L.Hawkes, Lieut, 36th Regt.
“Edwin Philips, Captain, 36th Regt.
“Thos.M.LeMesurier, 36th Regt”

We cannot pretend to say how far this important trial has been the means of spreading the fame of the Cork-made gun; but we can state that which we know to be the fact- that Messrs Richardson have at this moment orders from India alone, which cannot, by any possibility, and with utmost effort, be executed in less than six months from this date. And if not a single additional gun were ordered for the next twelve months, there would be ample employment for that time in executing the orders now on their books. Every year since its commencement in 1854, the establishment has been doubling its business!
We do not say anything of its trade for this year, which is not yet expired; but during last year it turned out more than 600 guns, 150 of which were high class guns, ranging from 16 to 25 guineas each. The remainder included rifles and single barrels.
Curiously enough, the best timber for the stocks is to be had in Ireland. English walnut is a fine and showy timber, but it has not the close grain of the Irish, which is also very often as handsome as the softer timber, of the sister country. A splendid tree of this timber purchased some time since by Mr Richardson, from a gentleman residing on the borders of the county of Cork; and its cost, when cut up, was as much as £100.
The cases, whether made of leather, or of timber of various kinds, are also made up in Cork, the firm keeping men constantly at work in their construction.
We may say a word as to the employment afforded by this flourishing concern. It commenced in 1854 with some 11 or 12 hands, while now has constant work for 25- of whom 8 are ordinarily paid an average of more than £2 a week, while some of them have frequently earned and received as much as £3 and 10 shilling’s per week. The work is paid for by the piece, and it depends upon the workman what he earns, and therefore what he has to receive. Fully two-thirds of the hands are Irishmen; the others are first-rate workmen from England. The staff is a large and efficient one at the present moment; but it will be increased in a short time, as additional ground has been taken to the rear, and is about being added to the workshops, which will render the Cork Gun Factory equal in efficiency to any in the trade. But taking it as it already is, it reflects the highest honour on the enterprise and industry of its founders, and no small credit upon the city in which it prospers and progresses.

Information courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.
Cork Examiner 20th September 1858.

NB: The text has been re-written and highlighted in part but the integrity of the piece maintained.

Please refer to our older post with respect to this company of gunmakers dated: 5/10/2018, 7/9/2018 & 27/8/2015.

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

Tuesday 20 November 2018

Wm Kavanagh Trade Label c.1840


Wm. Kavanagh

Gun Maker

Dublin

 


Wm. Kavanagh Trade Card/Label Engraved by R.A. Ryan. (Sculp) c.1840
Image courtesy of Bonhams.

Please refer to our older post with respect to the Kavanagh dynasty of gunmakers dated 16/9/2015.


Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Monday 19 November 2018

Michael Mc Loughlan. Youghal. Gunmaker. Accident.1881

 

 

Michael Mc Loughlan

Gunmaker

Youghal.


Dublin Daily Express 3rd January 1881.
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older post with respect to this gunmaker dated 25/10/2015.
Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Sunday 18 November 2018

John Walsh v Andrew Reilly. 1843.



            John Walsh (Gunmaker) v Andrew Reilly ( Butcher)

Upper Ormond Quay

Dublin 

Saunders Newsletter 16th May 1843. 

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our "older post" with respect to John Walsh, Gun & Barrel maker dated; 12/11/2018, 20/9/2018 & 6/2/2016

Dave Stroud.ramrodantiques.co.uk

Saturday 17 November 2018

John Hall. Gun-smith. Deceased. 1844.

 

John Hall

Gun-smith

Dublin.

(deceased)


Statement from The Freemans Journal dated 17th February 1844.
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive. 

The 1843 Registration Act had recently been brought into law in the November of 1843 and the licensing and " branding" of weapons made mandatory. The police were obviously keen to ensure John Halls stock was safely under lock and key!!!... but unfortunately were a little short on compassion.  

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk 

Friday 16 November 2018

William Newell, Gunsmith. Downpatrick. 1892


William Newell

Gunsmith

Downpatrick



Northern Whig. 12th November 1892.
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Thursday 15 November 2018

W.Morton & Son. Gunmakers. Cork. 1892.




Strattens, Dublin, Cork and South of Ireland.
Directory.
1892.


W.MORTON & SON
Gun Manufacturer, Gun Powder and Cartridge Merchants,
53 George Street, Cork.

The requirements of a large sporting community in the neighbourhood of Cork have been long and successfully provided for in the operations of the old established firm of Messrs, WILLIAM MORTON & SON, whose position in the gun and rifle trade entitles them to prominent notice in any work dealing with representative departments of industry and commerce in the South of Ireland.
As a gun, rifle and pistol manufactory, as well as a convenient depot for the supply of every kind of fishing and shooting requirement, then established at the above address is one that bears considerable interest and importance in the trading activity of this City.
For upwards of forty six years the business of Messrs MORTON has been conducted in this depot and accumulated connections gained by years of honourable trading one ably preserved under the management of Messrs William Morton, senior and William Morton junior, the former of whom has been at the head of this concern’s affairs since its commencement in the year 1846.
While devoting primary attention to the manufacture of guns, rifles and pistols a branch of the industry in which they have availed themselves of all working inventions and improvements Messrs MORTON have given due consideration to the needs of the anglers, and the numerous disciples of Izaak Walton, including those tourists who perennially resort to the waters of the Lee and its tributaries, have come to regard with well- deserved favour an establishment in which they invariably find all that is requisite for an economical fishing outfit.
The extensive character of the premises which from front and rear cover a large stretch of the flooring space, enables the firm to maintain-under good arrangement- a collection of sporting goods unrivalled for diversity and quality and among these fishing baskets, landing nets, powder flasks, cartridge belts , game carriers, dog collars, whips and whistles are particularly noted.
The completeness of the stock renders adequate description impossible, but it may serve the purposes of our brief sketch to say that nothing has been omitted towards affording a universal choice from air gun to Morris tubes and from a fishing rod to a constabulary sword. Large quantities of shot necessarily predominate, and the range of new and second hand guns and firearms may be said to comprise all the best accomplishments of gun-making skill and the productions of the most eminent makes.
Most of these are on the breech-loading principle, the now approved features of twist barrels, rebounding back action, bar action, doubled bolted action and highly finished walnut stocks being all more or less represented.
Attention is also directed to several old guns formerly in use for military purposes; also walking-stick guns; miniature sporting rifles for rook, rabbit and seal shooting; salon pistol; pinfire revolvers; all of which embody the latest and most improved principles of action.
To all interested in sporting, Messrs, MORTON’s illustrated price list must form a handy intermediary and guide to the selection of proper equipment; and not the least interesting feature of this little compilation is its price list of repairs , showing the great economy with which the most intricate adaptions of old guns to modern principles and the repair of every class of firearms can be carried out.
Having ample workshops at the rear of their establishment , and favoured by the assistance of experienced gun-makers, Messr’s MORTON are enabled to satisfy every requirement speedily and well.
They transact an extensive trade in the refilling of cartridges and are notably successful in the restocking of guns, the conversion of muzzle-loaders to breech-loaders, the alteration of stocks in bend, the cleaning of gun stocks, the re- boring of barrels, cleansing from rust, choke –boring, facing, jointing-up, re-chequering, blueing, browning, the alteration of locks to rebound, and the insertion of new springs. A very artistic branch of industry has been developed in the engraving of crests, initials and monograms, and in every operation that comes within the scope of the gun-makers art Messr’s W. MORTON & SON have earned an especial distinction.
Of a firm whose claims to commercial prominence are such long standing, little more requires to be said than that they have adopted every means and practical resource calculated to sustain them unimpeachable repute among the leading centres of trade in Cork.      
As gentlemen commanding exceptional facilities, and bringing to bear upon their operations the experience of years , the firm are accorded the unreserved confidence of a high-class clientele; and from tradesmen in this City are better known or more thoroughly merit the esteem they have elicited and retained than the principals of the house of Messr’s W. MORTON & SON.

Our sincere thanks to www.corkpastandpresent.ie
& Mr. Paschal Mcdonnell. 
Our appreciation also to:
Stephen Leach
A/Executive Librarian
Local Studies Department
Cork City Libraries, 57 Grand Parade, Cork.
Please refer to our older post with respect to this company of gunmakers dated 28/9/2016 & 14/10/2015.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Wednesday 14 November 2018

Edward Dalton. Gunmaker. Dublin.



Edward Dalton

Gunmaker

Dublin

Flintlock Brass Barrelled Blunderbuss Pistol by Edward Dalton.
Registered in Dublin County (DU 1541).
Image courtesy of Holts Auctioneers.

Please refer to our older posts with respect to Edward Dalton.
 
Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Tuesday 13 November 2018

Mr Henry Whitfield. Gun-Maker. Belfast. 1828

 

Henry Whitfield

Gun-Maker

Belfast.


Advertisement 4th November 1828. Belfast Newsletter.
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Known trading dates and addresses:
Henry Whitfield   c.1819-d.1832   No. 38  Ann Street and later at 42 Ann Street, Belfast.
NB: Possibly a door number alteration not a move.

Business continued in Skipper Street by George Whitfield.
Please refer to our older post with respect to George Whitfield.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Monday 12 November 2018

John Walsh, Gunmaker. Dublin.

 

John Walsh

Gun & Barrel Makers

Dublin.


Advertisement dated 17th October 1856 : Saunders Newsletter.
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer our "older posts" with respect to this gun & barrel maker dated. 20/9/2018 & 6/2/2016.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Sunday 11 November 2018

L.Leonard. Gun manufactory. Kells. 1856

 

Laurence Leonard

Gun Manufactory

Kells

Co. Meath


Meath Herald and Cavan Advertiser. 30th August 1856.
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.


Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Saturday 10 November 2018

James Calderwood & Son.. Dublin 1869.

 

James Calderwood & Son

Gunmakers

Dublin.


Advertisement dated 15th November 1869: Saunders Newsletter.
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

James Calderwood & Son distancing themselves from the business of Thomas Calderwood & Son who were trading from 14 North Earl Street, Dublin.

Please refer to our " older posts" with respect to the dynasty of Calderwood gunmakers in Dublin dated; 17/7/2016, 6/4/2016 & 1/12/2015   

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Friday 9 November 2018

John Gray. Gun-Maker. Dublin. 1789.


John Gray

Gun-Maker

Dublin


Advertisement dated 20th October 1789. Dublin Evening Post.
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our "older posts" regarding this gunmaker. 8/11/2018, 16/3/2018 & 12/1/2016.

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

Thursday 8 November 2018

John Gray. Gunmaker. Dublin.




John Gray

Gunmaker

Dublin

 

24 Bore Flintlock Duelling/Target by John Gray.

 10" Sighted Barrel. Brass Mounts. 

Private collection.

"GRAY" in capitals to lockplate. 

Private collection

 Please refer to our older post with respect to this inventive gunmaker dated: 12/1/2016 & 16/3/2018

We will be publishing a full feature on this gunmaker in due course.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Wednesday 7 November 2018

Thomas & Samuel Truelock defining a gunmaker.

 

Thomas Truelock & Samuel Truelock.

Defining the terms Gunmaker & Gunsmith.

Dublin.


Saunders Newsletter 20th November 1839.
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Tuesday 6 November 2018

Game Notice. Kilkenny. 1767.


Game Notice

County Kilkenny & County Waterford

1767


The Leinster Journal 6th May 1767
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Monday 5 November 2018

Benjamin Powell. Gun-Maker.


Benjamin Powell

Gun-Maker

Dublin



                                        Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Trading dates for Benjamin Powell:

  Benjamin Powell         1786                 (Gt)   Britain Street.     Dublin.

Benjamin Powell.    1788- d.1794         195 Abbey Street.  Dublin.  

     The Powell business was continued until 1798 by his widow Isabella Powell at the same address.

    Please refer to our "older post" with respect to the partnership of Hall & Powell dated 13/2/2016.
                        
                                 Benjamin Powell originally listed by M.S. Dudley Westropp, MRIA. 
Journal Arms & Armour Society, 1957.
Vol.11. No 1.
Isabella Powell originally listed by F. Carroll, Irish Gunsmiths & Sword Cutlers.
The Irish Sword Vol.3 No.10 1957.

                                                     Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk


Sunday 4 November 2018

Game Notice. County Kilkenny. 1767


Game Notice

County Kilkenny

1767



The Leinster Journal 24th October 1767.
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

Saturday 3 November 2018

George Armstrong.Gunsmith.Clonmel 1848.


George Armstrong

Gunsmith

Clonmel


                    Freemans Journal 18th July 1848
                       Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive. 

     Please refer to our "older posts" related to this gunmaker dated 23/3/2017 & 6/11/2015. 

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Friday 2 November 2018

Capital Shot!!! Cartoon. (anon)..


Capital Shot!!!


"Capital Shot!!! I do' nt think you've killed any thing".

We are always interested in early cartoon material related to fieldsports, duelling etc.. 

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk





Thursday 1 November 2018

Campbell & Co.. Belfast. 1858.



Campbell & Co..

Merchants

Belfast.

Belfast Morning News. December 1858.
Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Dave Stroud. ramrodnatiques.co.uk