John Alley Gunmaker

John Alley
Gunmaker
19 Fownes's Street

Dublin

 John Alley, c.1804-1807.

The above extremely rare trade label was found within a cased set of pistols by John Gray.

The trade label was almost impossible to read even with an eye glass therefore we have supplied a full transcript. 

Transcript of  John Alley trade label:

IRISH ARMOURY 19 FOWNES'S , WITHIN TWO DOORS OF DAME STREET.

"Who had the honour serving, during the whole of the arduous campaign in Egypt with the attested approbation of several Officers commanding as one of the principals of His Majesty's mission of mercy to that country. Respectfully begs have inform the Nobility, Gentry and Gentlemen of the Army in particular that he is now extensively engaged in the Gun-Making business and that in consequence of the general experience he has had of his enjoyed opportunity from his particular situation in the life of inspecting & appreciating the various processes adopted in the first Manufacturies of Arms in the World, he is now enabled to offer for sale at the most reasonable prices such a variety of Fowling pieces, Rifles, Duelling & Travelling Pistols, Pistolets, Muskets & Musketoons with Magazine Locks to prime themselves as on inspection and trial Conniosseur will find unite in an uncommon degree, the various recommendations of elegance, durability & correct shooting"

.  
The mention to "Magazine Locks" is of interest as various samples of this
frizzen/hopper assembly have been found. One in particular is clearly marked as the invention of Thomas Pattison of Dublin.

We will return to this invention in a later blog as further evidence of an earlier mid 18th century example of this system has recently surfaced. In tracking the early gunmaker's we are normally thrown snippets of information but to find a label with so much social and technical data included is very rewarding, especially as John Alley only traded for a four year period. We are always interested in purchasing original early gunmaker's trade cards/labels especially those with Irish connections. Dave Stroud.  ramrodantiques.co.uk