Henry Webb. Gunmaker. Dublin 1829.

Henry Webb

Gunmaker

Dublin

Perry's Bankrupt Gazette 25th April 1829

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive. 

Please refer to our older post with respect to this gunmaker.

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

John Rigby. Royal Small Arms Factory. Enfield.

 

Mr. John Rigby

Gunmaker

Dublin

Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser. 18th October 1887.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older post with respect to this doyen of the Irish guntrade. 

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Belfast. New Military Order. 1914.

Belfast Newsletter 8th December 1914.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

James Calderwood, Gunmakers, Dublin.

James Calderwood & Son

Gunmakers

Dublin

Dublin Evening Mail 19th April 1876.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older post with respect to this company

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

James Calderwood. Gunmaker. Dublin 1861

James Calderwood 

Gunmaker

Dublin

 Irish Times & Daily Advertiser 27th August 1861

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older post with respect to the Calderwood family of gunmakers.

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

Thomas Fowler. Gunmaker. Dublin (GG)

Thomas Fowler

Gunmaker

Dublin

Please refer to our older post with respect to this eminent gunmaker dated: 19/3/2019, 13/4/2018, 14/4/2018, 23/3/2018, 29/4/2017, 29/1/2015 & 22/11/2015

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

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Trulock & Harriss. Gunmakers. Dublin.

Trulock & Harriss

Gunmakers

Dublin

The Standard 23rd March 1906.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older post with respect to this company.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Importation of Arms. Dublin 1915.

Belfast Newsletter 30th November 1915.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Adam Hunter. "Practical Gunmaker" Belfast.

Portadown & Lurgan News 29th October 1881.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Strangely, Adam Hunter advertises Joseph Braddell & Son as " late". However, this company was still in trade and the advert actually determines the fact that Adam Hunter was foreman to the founder, Joseph Braddell, who died in circa 1862. 

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

John Walsh. Gunmaker. Dublin.

John Walsh

Gunmaker

Dublin

Dublin Evening Mail 18th May 1861.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Library.

Please refer to our older post with respect to this gunmaker

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

Wm Kavanagh.Gunmaker. Bankrupt.

William Kavanagh

Gunmaker

Dublin.

Legal notice published 22nd September 1829. Dublin Evening Post.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

The history of this company has been detailed in our "older posts" dated; 26/6/2017, 13/6/2017, 15/11/2016, 26/7/2016, 22/7/2016, 3/6/2016, 24/4/2016, 17/4/2016, 7/4/2016, 4/4/2016, 4/12/2015, 20/11/2015, 17/10,2015 & 16/9/2015.

Although this notice appears to be a setback in the Kavanagh gunmaking dynasty they would remain  a well established part of the Dublin guntrade until their closure in 1923.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk 

Thomas Fowler. Gunmaker. Dublin. (NH)

Thomas Fowler

Gunmaker

Dublin

 Fowler to lockplate with lightening strike engraving between cock and pan.

Private proof mark for Thomas Fowler, Dublin with crown within cartouche.

Our sincere thanks to the owner for photography and permission to publish. 

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques. co.uk

Gun Barrel Proof in Ireland. Dublin 1712.

Robert Symes

Proof Master

Dublin.

Dublin Intelligence 6th May 1712.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Transcript of above:

"Whereas several Gentlemen have of late been wounded and in danger of their lives, by firing Guns made up by unexpert Gunsmiths, for prevention of the like evil Accidents, The Master -Gunsmiths of the City of Dublin have come to a Resolution that all their Gun and Pistol Barrels before fix'd up and exposed to sale shall be examined, tried and proved with a full Charge of Powder and Ball, by a sworn Proof-Master by them appointed for that purpose, as in London and Holland, & c.  These are therefore to give Notice to all Gentlemen and Others, that all Guns and Pistols now and thus hereafter shall be sold by any of the said Gunsmiths  are proved, and stamp;near the britch (breech) by the Proof-Master, with the stamps of the Harp and Crown and Hammer, and that all Guns or Pistols not having the said Impressions are not proved, but are Dangerous and Unmerchantable, for that all Persons who have Guns or Pistols to Sell have liberty to Prove them by the said Proof-Master, Mr Robert Symes Gunsmith in Big Ship Street".

As we later learn the above proof marks of the Harp, Crown and Hammer (? ) were deemed unuseable due to them already being the property of the Dublin Goldsmiths Corporation.
Due to this legal matter it would appear that, bearing in mind barrels had been produced in Dublin throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the onus fell upon the gunmakers themselves to
mark weapons as proofed sometime after 1712. This, it is believed, was administered by one of the following options.

It is evident that prior to 1712 there was no requirement or legislation in place to cover barrel proof in Ireland. Indeed following the Act of Union in 1801 it could be surmised that all barrels would be subject to British proof, either by the Birmingham or London Proof Houses. However, this obviously did not occur but barrels were often imported from the aforementioned cities and marked with the relevant British proofs.

From proof marks found today for the period 1712 through to 1800 it would appear that the individual Irish "Master Gunsmiths" marked their barrels with their own private proof. This was made up of a crowned "V" & "P" or in many cases a double "P" which could also include their monogram within a rectangle. (Fig.1). The punched crowns were very crude in many cases but did show allegiance to the Crown (The British Establishment) and mirrored compliance to proof in other parts of the British Isles.

Fig.1. Crowned "P" & "V" with Lewis Alleys Gunmakers mark "LA".

James Frith in 1946 published "Pistols Their History and Development" which included various proof marks as well as the attached marks which are often encountered on Irish firearms and sometimes include the gunmakers monogram in a rectangle.

Alternatively, the barrel top flat included in a gold poincoin with the "Master Gunsmiths" name and city of manufacture and in many a cases a crown (fig.2)....or the name would be simply engraved on the top flat along with the city of manufacture. This action was considered evidence enough that the barrel had been deemed safe as the "Master Gunsmith" had put his name to it and could be traced should the barrel fail. This being only in the event of the barrel not being blown to smithereens*

Fig.2 Example of a gold poincoin of Wisdom, Drogheda with crown.

Therefore it would appear that each individual "Master Gunsmith" would make up their own punches as per illustrations 32 & 33 above and mark their barrels accordingly. It should also be remembered that gunsmiths were licenced in Ireland and the authorities may well have issued the punches to "Master Gunsmiths".  This leaves us with the possiblity that barrels, made by the known barrel makers in Dublin, having been sold to the guntrade unproved, could have found their way to less scrupulous and unlicensed "gunmakers" who could have sold them without having them proofed?

The prestigious William & John Rigby and Trulock & Son were making their own barrels commercially by 1830,  and prior to this Rigby had developed the deeply etched damascus barrel by the year before  his death in 1818. All these noted barrels never show proof marks, merely the manufacturers name either on the barrel, lock or "Dublin" to the top flat. .

This weight of evidence somewhat crushes the idea of there being a Proof House in Ireland,  the nearest Ireland came to this was nominating Robert Symes as the Proof Master but this was a short lived phase in Irish gunmaking history. It should also be remembered that both London and Birmingham were very proud of their proof houses and their presence gave added credibility to the indigenous gunmakers. It is believed Dublin would have shouted from the rafters had a proof house been sanctioned by the British Government. Bearing in mind the hostility that existed between the London and Birmingham guntrades a third option for proofing arms would have been considered an insensitive and inflamatory measure. 

Dublin Castle had always been the main area of assembly for military arms and the Irish Board of Ordnance was abolished in 1801 due to price differentials and logistics. However, it is possible that within the Pigeon House or Dublin Castle there was a military "finished view room" where completed weapons were overseen and passed fit for use. The evidence from weapons found is that the military barrels were imported only, thereby obviating the need for proof in Ireland.

*"Smithereens" is a word of Irish origin.

We are always keen to know of any additional material related to the proofing of gun barrels in Ireland.

Please refer to:

British Military Firearms 1650-1850 by Howard L. Blackmore published 1961. Herbert Jenkins. pgs. 268 & 269. 

Pistols Their History and Development by James Frith. Published 1946.


                                                 Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk
 

John Wheelock. Gun-Maker. Wexford. 1862

John Wheelock

Gunmaker

Wexford

 The Wexford Constitution 6th August 1862.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older post with respect to this gunmaker dated: 12/12/2018, 25/11/2018, 8/11/2016, 21/10/2016, 2/10/ 2016 & 20/9/2016.

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

Allport & Sons. Bicyle for Sale.

Allport & Sons

Gun-makers

Cork

Cork Constitution. 9th August 1870

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older posts with respect to this company of gunmakers dated, 6/1/2018, 3/5/2017, 5/8/2016 & 6/10/2015.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Calderwood. Captain Norton's Projectile

 

Calderwood

Gunmakers

Dublin

Irish Times 29th August 1861.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older post with respect to this gunmaker.

The above advertisemement is related to James Calderwood who at this time was trading from No 63 Upper Sackville Street, Dublin.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Kavanagh. Pistol Stolen 1867.

Kavanagh

Gunmakers

Dublin

Dublin Evening Post. 9th April 1867.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older posts with respect to the Kavanagh dynasty of gunmakers.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Trulock Comp'y Dublin

Trulock & Company

Gunmakers

Dublin.

 Trulock & Comp'y 9 Dawson Street to wide top rib.

Trigger Guard Engraving.

Please refer to our older post with respect to Trulock & Son dated: 26/1/2019, 2/4/2018, 1/4/2018, 10/2/2017, 11/6/2016, 15/2/2016, 17/1/2016, 9/11/2015, 29/9/2015 & 5/9/2015.

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

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

John Weekes & Son. Mr Dowling. 1874.

Sale of Mr Henry Dowling Stock.

"Eminent Gunmaker"

Dublin

Irish Times 23rd May 1874.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive. 

Please refer to our older post with respect to John Weekes & Son and Mr Henry Dowling. Gunmakers.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Kavanagh Gunmaker, Dublin. 1841

Mr William Kavanagh

Gunmaker

Dublin

Dublin Evening Packet and Correspondent 13th May 1841

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Transcript of above;

"WANTS A SITUATION

AS A GAME-KEEPER, a protestant and a Single man, who has served his time to the business, and understands rearing Pheasants, keeping a Deer-park, training Dogs, shooting and trapping of vermin; he has also lived in Nobleman's families, by whom he can be well recommended for good conduct and being capable of his business. Should a house and ground offer, the advertiser will have no objection to it.
Any commands left for M.G.. at Mr Kavanagh's, GunMaker, 11 Dame-street, will be promptly attended to."

Please refer to our older post with respect to this eminent gunmaking company.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Trulock & Harriss. Gunmakers Purdey & Moore 1858

Trulock & Harriss

Gunmakers

Dublin

Saunders Newsletter 17th April 1858

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older post with respect to Trulock & Harriss. 

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Kavanagh's. Gunmaker. Dublin.

Kavanagh's

Gunmaker

Dublin

Saunders Newsletter 25th June 1835

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

A gun  "turned out in Rigby's best Style"! An accolade indeed from one great gunmaker to another.

Please refer to our older post with respect to these gunmakers.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Trulock Brothers, Gunmakers. Dublin. 1910

 

Trulock Brothers

Gunmakers

Dublin

The Irish Independent 25th August 1910.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older post with respect to this company of gunmakers.

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

Timothy Hughes. Ironmonger & Gunsmith Corke. (GP)

Timothy Hughes

Gunsmith

Corke

Our thanks to the collector and dealer for photography.

Please refer to our older post with respect Timothy Hughes dated 5/3/2019 & 13/12/2015

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

Timothy Hughes. Ironmonger & Gunsmith. Corke. (LM)

Timothy Hughes

Gunsmith

Corke

Private Collection.

Please refer to our older post with respect to this gunmaker dated 13/12/2015.

Dave Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

Denis O'Connor, Gunmaker. Galway. 1861.

Galway Vindicator and Connaught Advertiser. 19th October 1861.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Shooting Notices. 1813.

Shooting Notices

Ireland

1813.

                            Shooting notices for County Meath and environs September 1813.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

George Walker & Co., Derry.

George Walker & Co..

Bishop Street

Derry.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Trulock & Harris Gunmakers and Trulock Brothers.

Trulock & Harriss & Truelock Brothers

Exhibitors

Dublin Evening Post 9th May 1865.

Image courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.

Please refer to our older post with respect to these gunmakers.

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk