Messrs Rigby
Established 1735,1760,1770 and 1783? They can't all be right!
The following advertisements explain why there is so much confusion regarding the starting date of this illustrious company. However, the most conclusive evidence can be found in the 1784 Dublin trades directory where John Rigby (founder) first appears *.Firstly, it is common knowledge that many companies used a certain amount of "Licence " when stating their established dates.
As can be seen here from the three separate advertisements the foundation date was gradually brought in line with reality, 1770 being the date John Rigby probably entered the gun trade, 1783 being the date he set-up in his own name following a lengthy traineeship with possibly more than one of the great masters of his trade i.e., Edward Dalton, Thomas Trulock, Lewis Alley to mention just a few taken from the 1770 Dublin trades directory.
Advertisement stating 1735.
Another stating 1760.
Below is *John Rigby's first trades directory entry for 1784
while he traded at 14 College Green, Dublin.
Blackwell William Gt Ship St
Devine Thomas 194 Abbey St
Dixon Thomas 32 Upp Kevin St
Edwards William 24 Castle St
Gray John 21 Lwr Exchange Street
Hall Joseph 149 Gt Britain St
Hutchinson Michael 40 Dame st
Marshal Thomas 4 Barrack st
Morton William 31 Skinner Row
Rainsford James 102 Grafton St
Rigby, John 14 College Green
Tomlinson Robert 123 Capel St
Trulock Thomas 28 Dame Street
Never a more apt expression as "being difficult to hit a moving target"!!... but we got there.
The Rigby family traded c.1783-1898.
For additional detailed history including the company registers please refer to;-
Great British Gunmakers Messrs Rigby 1760-1869 by D.H.L.Back.
also;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Rigby_%26_Company.
Our sincere thanks to the above link.
Please refer to our earlier posts related to the Rigby's
Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk
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