The 89th London Antique Arms Fair
Autumn 2012
Hotel Ibis London Earls Court, 47 Lillie Road, London, SW6 1UD
Friday 28 September Saturday 29 September
A fine and exceptionally rare cased pair of gold-inlaid flintlock duelling pistols made for the famous sportsman and eccentric Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Thornton, by Joseph Manton, 1 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide London, no.568 for 1796. Sold by Bonhams Knightsbridge on 30 November 2011 for £67,250. H e RMANN HISTORICA
Britain's Leading Auctioneer NexT AuCTION: of Antique Arms & Armour 14 Oct. - 23 Oct. 2012 No.1 Historical Collectibles ✦ Antique Arms & Armour Wednesday 18 July, 2012 Orders Orders ✦ Knightsbridge, London
Antique Arms & Armour ✦ Antiquities Entries now invited
Orders & Military Collectibles All catalogues online by mid-September: 2012 Sale Dates Catalogues A fine and exceptionally Fine Antique & Modern Firearms Wednesday 28 November +44 1666 502 200 rare cased pair of gold-inlaid www.hermann-historica.com Closing date 28 September [email protected] flintlock duelling pistols made The Karsten Klingbeil Collection – Part II for Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Bonhams Enquiries Thornton, by Joseph Manton, Montpelier Street +44 20 7393 8307 London, no. 568 for 1796 London SW7 1HH [email protected] Sold for £67,250 Hermann Historica oHG ✦ Linprunstr. 16 ✦ D-80335 Munich ✦ Phone +49-89-54726490 ✦
International Auctions Antique Arms and Armour Fax +49-89-547264999 e-Mail: [email protected] 2 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide International Auctioneers and Valuers – bonhams.com/arms
LonArmFair_1p_4c_A5.indd 1 30.08.2012 19:31:38 Uhr Master Gunmaker Restorer of Artillery Antique Arms
Cased pair of D/B Percussion Officers The London Antique Pistols by John Manton. Arms Fairs 2012
The London Antique Arms Fair is promoted by Arms Fairs Ltd. Chairman: John Slough A welcome from the Chairman 7 Cased Percussion Pepperbox Secretary: Adam Slough. Revolver by Parker of London. Arms Fairs Ltd., PO Box 355, The Spoils of War by Paul Wilcock Hereford HR2 9YE 11 Tel: 07780 663819 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.antiquearmsfairsltd.co.uk Index of advertisers 23
Editors: John Slough and Adam Slough
The London Antique Arms Fair guide Index of exhibitors 24 Cased pair of Percussion is published on behalf of Arms Fairs Ltd by John Good. Dueling Pistols by Samuel Nock. © Arms Fairs Ltd., 2012. Table plan for the fair 26 Printed in England.
All material contained within is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. The The Alleys of Dublin & Kilkenny: Gunmakers opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every care is by David Stroud 28 PO Box 355 • Hereford • HR2 9YE taken in compiling the publication, but Tel: 07775 643762 the publishers can bear no responsibility for effects arising therefrom or from the The Duke of Wellington’s Rifle & John Norton’s Bullet E-mail: [email protected] advertisements contained herein. www.johnsloughoflondon.co.uk by John Slough All information correct at time of printing. 37
Firearms of the Mail Coach Guards 41 by F Wilkinson
4 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 5
John Slough Antique Arms Ad A4 21 1 11/4/10 22:52:18 A Welcome from the Chairman
SPECIALISTS IN ANTIQUE ARMS & ARMOUR • EST.1983 SPECIALISTS IN ANTIQUE ARMS & ARMOUR • EST.1983 A warm welcome to the London Antique Arms Fairs 2012
I would like to welcome you all to the London Antique Arms Fairs of 2012 and take this opportunity to thank all our exhibitors for their kind help and co-operation when last September we had to change the venue at short notice to the Novotel in Hammersmith, a very nice hotel in many ways, but the exhibition hall itself left a lot to be desired. It is really very pleasant to be back in what we have now come to regard as the home of the London Arms Fair. As you can see the proprietors of the Ibis Hotel have done an excellent job with the new layout and decor of the London Suite, the cost of this refurbishment, we understand, was in the region of £4 million.
This April we have seen Bonhams hold auctions of two important and fascinating collections of antique arms, one the property of Dr Rabett, well known within the antique gun trade since the 1940s. Amongst the many remarkable items sold was a very rare gold inlaid pair of duelling pistols by Joseph Manton, complete in their case and with detachable shoulder stock made for Lt Col Thomas Thornton in 1796. These pistols were displayed at the famous Exhibition of the Art of the Armourer at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1963 and attracted a huge amount of interest.
My article in this year’s show guide is about the Duke of Wellington’s rifle which has recently come to light and is on display in A selection of British Military Longarms in stock pride of place on my stand, this gun was formerly part of Dr Rabett’s collection. 63 West Street • Dorking • Surrey • UK • RH4 1BS 63 West Street • Dorking • Surrey • UK • RH4 1BS Tel: +44(0)1306 883487 Tel: +44(0)1306 883487 The other, the collection of Norman Dixon, which included a pair of silver flintlock holster pistols of exceptional rarity and in Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] immaculate condition, highly decorated with chased silver barrels, locks and mounts made by Joseph Heylin of London in 1768. www.antiquearmsandarmour.com Norman was a friend and customer of mine, and will be remembered as the author of the book ‘The Art and Craft of the Flintlock www.antiquearmsandarmour.com Pistol 1715 - 1840’. He was also a liveryman with the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers and a member of both the Arms and Armour Society and the Rowland Club. For the majority of his career he was as a silversmith and a designer of silverware.
It is with much regret that I have to record the tragic death of one of our number, the popular and well regarded Garth Vincent, he was a good friend to so many and will be sadly missed at our fair and within the gun trade. Garth was born at Ipswich in 1948, the second son of the Reverend George Vincent and spent his early years in Earl Stonham, Suffolk before the family moved to Alderton in 1955. Garth was educated at Hill Preparatory School and Felixstowe Academy and then later at Civic College, SPECIALISTS IN ANTIQUE ARMS & ARMOUR • EST.1983 SPECIALISTS IN ANTIQUE ARMS & ARMOUR • EST.1983 Ipswich, where he gained his BSc before achieving an MA in English from the Open University. Garth completed teacher training at Keswick Hall College of Education and began his teaching career at Manvers Pierepoint School in Nottingham, where he met Paula Slade, whom he married in 1973. They moved to Stanton on the Wolds in 1981 and then to Allington in 1984 and bought We sell on commission the Old Manor House, still the family home and home to Garth’s businesses, Allington Manor Bed & Breakfast and Garth Vincent Antique Arms and Armour. In 2002, Garth was admitted into the Freedom of the City of London and made a Liveryman of the If you are thinking of selling any British Worshipful Company of Gunmakers, a well deserved accolade awarded to him in recognition of his work as a highly respected antique weapons, we offer a service that antique dealer. Garth’s antique arms and armour business is being carried on by his son Dominic to whom we offer our sincere condolences and wish him every success in the future. is more flexible, secure and financially beneficial than selling at auction. I would like to mention the veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress which helps ex-service personnel suffering psychological injuries and mental health problems. The Battle Proms Concerts have now raised more than £100,000 for this charity and we at For no obligation advice please call or the London Arms Fair have added to this total over the past 3 years by donating £1 for every exhibitor and visitor badge returned email us at our Dorking shop or see our to us at the end of each fair. This is a remarkable achievement and we shall be continuing to support Combat Stress in their vital website for details. work which is as relevant now as it has ever been. We have a long established, excellent The London Arms Fair is the perfect place to see the best selection of the highest quality arms and armour and related pieces reputation and have been selling items on sale in Europe. It remains the only two-day arms fair in the country and as such has a relaxed and leisurely atmosphere not on commission for over 20 years, from found elsewhere. It is well known as the place where exhibitors put their newest, best and most exciting acquisitions on display. single items to entire collections. I hope you will all have an interesting and pleasant visit to our fair and I know there will be much on offer to surprise and delight you.
63 West Street • Dorking • Surrey • UK • RH4 1BS Always go for the very best in the field that you can aspire to, it will prove to be an excellent investment in the years to come. 63 West Street • Dorking • Surrey • UK • RH4 1BS Tel: +44(0)1306 883487 You may even find a Walker Colt, ‘if you can find a fence post to rest it on’. Tel: +44(0)1306 883487 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.antiquearmsandarmour.com John Slough www.antiquearmsandarmour.com Chairman
6 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 7 A NORTH ITALAI ANNO RATRHM ITOAULRIA FNO ARR TMHOEU TRI LFTO, RM TIHLAE NTI, LCTI, RMCIALA 1N58, 0CIRCA 1580
Provenance: Provenance: R. Partridge, LondRo. nP a1r9t0ri5d; gVe,i sLcoonudnotn W 19a0ld5;o Vrfi sAcosutonrt ,W Haelvdeor fC Aassttolre,, HKeevnetr, CEnasgtlae,n Kdent, England
A GERMAN STAT GEE PRAMRAAND SET AHTAEL PBAERRADD OE FH TAHLBEE PREDR OSFO TNHAEL P BEORSDOYNGAULA BRODD YGUARD OF ELECTOR AOUF GELUESCTT OORF ASAUGXOUSNTY O, CF ISRACXAO 1N5Y8,0 CIRCA 1580
Provenance: Provenance: The Saxon ElectoTrhael SAarxmono uErleiectso, rDalr eAsrdmeonuries, Dresden
A GERMAN ETCAH GEEDRM STAANT EET HCHAELDB ESRTDAT OE FH TAHLBEE TRRDE OBFA TNHTEE NTRLEIEBBA-NGTAERNDLIEE BO-GF ARDE OF CHRISTIAN I, PCRHIRNICSET IEALNE CI, TPORIRN COEF ESLAEXCOTONRY O(RFE SIAGXNOENDY 1(R58E6I-G91N)E, DCI 1R5C86A-9 1)5,9 C0IRCA 1590
Provenance: Provenance: The Saxon ElectoTrhael SAarxmono uErleiectso, rDalr eAsrdmeonuries, Dresden
We are interestedW ien a preu irncthearessitnegd sinin pguler cihteamsinsg o sri ncgolme pitelemtes coor lcleocmtipolnetse ocfo llections of antique guns, piasntotilqsu, es wguonrds,s p, iasrtmolso, usrw aonrdds ,c arnmnounr i ann adn cya nqnuoann tinit ya.ny quantity.
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8 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 9 the spoils of war The Spoils of War Ralph Parr by Paul Wilcock ancaster L In summer 2005 the Prince of Wales Own Regiment of Yorkshire Museum in York asked for assistance to examine and categorise some pieces that were in the process of being re-catalogued.
York Glaive One of these was a cruciform hilted sword baggage train yielded unimaginable Actions such as these were later which, while believed to be French, was treasures: encompassed in the phrase “to the catalogued as a ‘musician’s sword’ with victors belong the spoils”5, and while an accompanying note that it was ‘from “Yelling and cheering the men fell on often officially frowned upon, came to the Field of Waterloo’. While there is no the van. Smashing open its doors with be accepted practice. Thankfully this has doubt that there were numerous trophies their musket butts they dropped back now allowed many important artefacts and souvenirs taken after the battle, in astonishment for the interior was to find homes in museums, archives and if every such attribution were to be packed to the brim with church plate, private collections. However, was this believed, these items would have been bags of coin, caskets and particular sword, indeed from the field of exported on an industrial scale1. The treasure chests”3 Waterloo? reason for such labelling is of course to establish the provenance and potentially Wellington however regarded the matter On examining the sword more closely it enhance the value. Some examples are rather differently: was possible to confirm that it was indeed more credible than others. For instance, French, but more importantly that it was there is one example in a well known “We started with the army in the highest sufficiently unusual that it merited further stately home, of a sword carried by a order, and up to the day of battle research not only into this particular sword revered ancestor who fought bravely at nothing could get on better; but that but into the pattern and model itself. An Waterloo. His bravery may have been event has, as usual totally annihilated all elaborately decorated panel at the forte outstanding, however it was not with that order and discipline”4 carries the inscription ‘KLINGENTHAL’ particular sword which is an 1821 pattern identifying its manufacture at the national cavalry sabre! manufactory at Klingenthal6 in Alsace. This facility was established in 1733 as a state The conflicting emotions in the aftermath controlled factory in an attempt to limit of battle reach out into the full breadth the import of blades from Solingen. Wisely of human experience. The Duke of Louis XV recruited 25 skilled craftsmen Wellington reflecting on the scene of from Solingen including forgers, polishers, carnage following the Battle of Waterloo grinders and engravers, along with their famously wrote that: families, and 35 years later Klingenthal had become established as a central location “Nothing except a battle lost can be half for the manufacture of high quality so melancholy as a battle won.”2 sword blades. Under the leadership an Entrepreneur whose role was purely And yet in the aftermath of conflict there commercial, and of a Directeur, usually often emerges the opportunity for the an artillery officer, Klingenthal thrived victors to avail themselves of the spoils of and became a source for significant war. These encounters are rarely better sword production. The manufactory documented than in the post conflict survived the upheaval of the Revolution engagements of the Napoleonic Wars. and by 1801 was under the leadership One of the most famous examples, of its most famous Entrepreneurs, the which left Wellington appalled, followed York Glaive showing damage & Klingenthal Coulaux family. Klingenthal developed a Telephone 01524 69195 the Battle of Vitoria when King Joseph’s inscription reputation not only for regulation pattern 10 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 11 the spoils of war the spoils of war
production at Versailles during the offered to senior generals and even then Empire constituted the expensive luxury in very limited numbers. The ‘York Glaive’ market and the production arms for the closely resembles two French models. Imperial Guard. After Waterloo and the The initial assumption was that it was an final demise of Napoleon the allies swept example of the ‘Glaive de Commandants through France. By July 1815, Versailles en Chef du 1st Vendemiere ANXII had become a target for the allies seeking (24th September 1803)’. However, the the opportunity for pillage and large scabbard fitting identifies the sword more quantities of materials were destroyed closely with an earlier and rarer model or stolen. Though Boutet continued to the ‘Glaive de General du 20 Thermidor MacDonald Glaive inscriptions work after the cessation of his contract ANVI’. (7th August 1798). One of the in 1818, he no longer enjoyed the status best existing examples of which is the indicates that the decoration showed was presented. In May 2008 a further some variation. Despite these slightly example appeared for sale at Christies, York Glaive hilt and scabbard of Entrepreneur and descended into one presented to General Duhesme and depression. However, much of his work is referenced in Aries Portfolios (1970).14 contradictory French sources, this sword South Kensington.22 This was an ANVI swords, but also for the highest quality in canine heads flanking quivers and continued to bear the title: BOUTET The differences between the ANVI and is more likely to be the earlier ANVI pattern glaive presented to General de presentation blades. It is during the carrying the manufacturer’s marks and DIRECTEUR et ARTISTE á VERSAILLES and ANXII are minimal. The identification is pattern. Brigade Jean D’Armagnac. D’Armagnac period immediately prior to the Coulaux two indistinct poincons which appear to to this day remains a testament to some made more challenging by the fact that The glaive in York might be considered was actively engaged during the Egyptian dynasty that the blade for this sword was be ‘AB’ and ‘LD’.7 The underside of the of the most high status arms produced the glaive in York has been the subject of particularly rare because it dates from the Campaign and was wounded while there. produced. Had it been produced after quillons is signed: during this period.8 While there are many some damage. The ANVI pattern has two earlier Consulate (1799-1804) and was He was presented with the sword for their tenure had begun it would almost examples of Boutet’s work exhibited in langets bearing the images of a pelican or only presented to the most senior and his services in that campaign and the certainly have carried their name on the ‘Boutet, Directeur & Artiste’ and ‘Manuf. France there are far fewer in the UK.9 heron, and a cockerel. The latter being successful generals. It seems that there scabbard bears a presentation inscription forte, a practice not followed by earlier a Versailles’ Some of the most impressive in Britain the enduring icon of France and the Entrepreneurs. are held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. pelican or heron symbolising regeneration This indicated that this was a sword of These include a pair of presentation and good fortune.15 These have been The sword measures 38 inches in length some significance and manufactured by hangers from the Minister of War to the removed, possibly at the time of seizure with a hollow ground blade which has one of the most influential armourers 3rd Company of the 19th Demi-Brigade;10 on the assumption they were solid gold a double-concave clipped point with of the age. Nicolas-Noel Boutet began a silver gilt hilted small sword;11 a flintlock rather than gilt. The same fate has befallen slight damage sustained to one edge; manufacturing at Versailles on 23rd rifle made for King Louis XVI12 and an the scabbard mounts, probably for the the double fuller begins nine inches of August 1792. His father in law Pierre outstanding double barrelled flintlock the way down the blade. At the forte, Desainte had held the title of arquebusier shotgun which illustrates some of the the blade is blued and gilded with floral du roi and Nicolas quickly established a finest examples of Boutet’s work.13 decoration and hosts a panel containing reputation as a craftsman in his own right. a design of martial trophies. The pommel While his administrative skills left much It was now obvious that this was a sword of is formed in a seven headed capital to be desired, his skills as a designer and some historical significance. It was clearly however the pommel button, which manufacturer of luxury guns and swords a high status piece and one rarely seen would have been gilded, appears to be were outstanding and while not a technical either in museums outside France or on the antiques market. The next challenge was to make a definitive identification of the sword which was definitely not of a pattern issued to a musician. The sword is more accurately described as an epee- MacDonald Glaive hilt glaive and this type of sword are more usually referred to simply as ‘glaives’. were very few of this pattern of sword Having been adopted in the early years made. The museum at Klingenthal has of the Revolution for the most senior confirmed that prior to the beginning of officials, the pattern began to assume the the Empire in 1804; they estimate that MacDonald Glaive status of ‘Arme de Recompense’ or ‘Arme fewer than 20 blades for these swords d’Honneur’, essentially fulfilling its role as same reason. While there are a number were produced.19 The example cited by a symbol of outstanding achievement in of documented examples they do not Aries was presented to General Duhesme York Glaive Boutet inscription a similar manner to Lloyds Patriotic Fund agree universally upon the pattern. For by an order dated 8th April 1798 as a swords in Britain. The design reflects the the identification of the example in York, reward for his action during the campaign missing. The ebony grip is decorated innovator, he developed a distinctive and prevailing influence of classical culture reliance is being placed upon Capitaine in Italy. Duhesme was later killed leading with gilded winged thunderbolts and mature style by which his work can be the Young Guard at Waterloo.20 The and the iconography depicts symbols Maurice Bottet’s book ‘Nicolas Boutet MacDonald Glaive silver lightning flashes with a lower ferrule recognised today. Self promotion was also holding an underlying significance for the et la Manufacture de Versailles’16 and putative issue date of around 1798 for formed of a continuous band of acorns one of Boutet’s more highly developed leaders of revolutionary France. supported by the examples cited in Aries the York sword is also corroborated by a from Bonaparte as 1st Consul. He served and oak leaves and the upper one, a band talents. In 1799 he was appointed extensive portfolios.17 Michel Petard18 in third extant example issued to Marechal throughout the Peninsula eventually of laurel leaves. The sword is contained ‘Directeur-General des Manufactures During the French Directory (1795-1799), ‘Des Sabres et Des Epees Vol. III’, notes Macdonald when he was a General de retiring in 1831, though D’Armagnac in a blued steel scabbard with seven d’Armes et Ateliers de Reparation Consulate (1799-1804), and Empire that the differences between the ANVI Division also in 1798.21 Indeed it is likely never rose past the rank of General de chased and gilded mounts, the central de France’. This placed him in both a (1804-1815), the presentation of fine and and the ANXII are minimal and essentially that the occasion cited in Peter Finer’s Brigade.23 The sword realised a hammer one of which depicts the eye symbolic of powerful and influential position and in elaborate swords to successful officers revolve around the method of suspension catalogue at which Macdonald received price of £97,800. A further interesting the omniscient power of the new order. 1805 he adopted the title ‘Manufacture was not unusual. This model however is of the scabbard and individual decoration. his sword may well have been the observation is that the inscription beneath The quillons form two bows terminating Imperiale de Versailles et fils’. Essentially rare because it appears that it was only Evidence from several of these swords same occasion upon which Duhesme’s the quillon block on the Macdonald glaive
12 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 13 the spoils of war the spoils of war
The accession records at the PWO One puzzling question is why a trophy Paris and illustrated in their most recent of Wales Own Regiment of Yorkshire Museum Regiment of Yorkshire Museum confirm the seized by an officer in the Royal Artillery exhibition guide.34 So it is certain that in York. sword was donated by Mrs T. Wilberforce should find its way into the museum of the example found in York must have General D’Armagnac’s sword: An historic sabre the great grand-daughter of Lt. General the 14th Regiment of Foot.26 Lt. Edward been owned by a general during the 100 de recompense (Glaive de General, reglement Sir William Cosmo Trevor in April 1958. Trevor made steady progress in his military days campaign to whom all the criteria du 20 Thermidor ANVI, by Boutet William Trevor was commissioned as an career becoming a 2nd Captain in 1832; discussed above apply. It is a recorded © Christie’s Images Limited 2008 Ensign in the 14th Regiment of Foot on Captain in 1841; Brevet Major in 184627 fact that Eble, Monnier, and Macdonald Marechal MacDonald’s sword: An historic 11th March 1842 and rose through the and retired as a Lt. Colonel on full pay were not at Waterloo. Mermet remained epee-glaive presented to General de Division ranks to become a Lieutenant Colonel in 1854. He subsequently progressed a Royalist after the First Restoration in Jean Etienne Joseph Alexandre MacDonald, in the 14th in December 1863 before to become a Major General in 186128 1814, Jourdan played no further significant later Marechal MacDonald, Duc de Tarente. military role after his defeat at Vitoria in transferring to the 54th Foot and attaining and died in Plymouth in 1878. The © Peter Finer 1813. Duhesme was present, and was the rank of Major General (Land Forces) regimental records show that Lt. Trevor’s Paul Wilcock killed during the battle but his sword in 1878. However according to family son (William) joined the 14th Foot rather March 2012 is identified in Aries Portfolios and is records, it was his father Lt. Edward than following in his father’s footsteps Paul Wilcock is Head of the Arms and Armour possibly one of those in Paris. General Research Group at the University of Huddersfield Trevor RA who ‘acquired’ the sword after in the Royal Artillery. One reason that and an Honorary Historical Consultant to the Royal Le Courbe having had a troubled political Armouries. the Battle of Waterloo where he served William may not have joined the artillery career and being imprisoned in 1813 is as a member of Capt. Tyler’s Company may have been because he was not 1 Wilcock P.T., ‘From the Field of Waterloo – the dating believed to have joined Ney during the of French Cavalry Sabres’, Arms & Armour Vol. 1 No. 1 of Foot Artillery, and was attached to sufficiently technically qualified; however 100 Days but is then believed to have 2 Gurwood J., Dispatches of Field Marshal the Duke of the Reserve Ammunition Train. The it is more likely that a relationship had Wellington, London 1834-1838 returned to Jura before Waterloo. 3 precise movements of this unit of the developed between his father and the Esdaile C., The Peninsula War – A New History, D’Armagnac hilt scabbard and Bonaparte London (2002) p.428 quoting from a dispatch by Reserve Ammunition Train are unclear 14th Foot in Antwerp. Lt. Edward Trevor The number of generals at Waterloo Colonel Sir Archibald Frazer inscription 4 Gurwood J. (ed.) Letter to Lord Bathurst in Dispatches and by virtue of the task they performed, was stationed in Antwerp and is recorded who held at least that rank during the of Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington volume X they are likely to have been deployed in the muster roll of the Royal Artillery active part in the Battle of Waterloo or Consulate is limited. If the prize formed p.473, London 1834-38 5 29 at the very least the actions surrounding it William Marcy, Speech in the US Senate January 1832. wherever their services were required. At in the Netherlands on 26th May 1815. part of a large baggage train then the 6 Klingenthal literally translates ‘Valley of Blades’ some point, either in the aftermath of the Stationed in the same location was because that is where Lt. Edward Trevor possible candidates may be the most 7 Petard M., Des Sabres et Des Epees, Nantes (2005). was operating. It is possible of course that senior officers such as Ney, Grouchy Petard suggests that ‘LD’ may indicate ‘Lamogere battle or during his service in France later the 3rd Battalion of the 14th Foot, and Directeur’ that year, Lt. Trevor located the sword Regimental legend has it that The Duke Lt. Trevor discovered the sword later in or Soult. However having reached the 8 Bottet, M. Nicholas Boutet et la Manufacture de the campaign, though this is unlikely as it Versailles, (Paris, 1904) and brought it home. After the battle of Wellington inspected the 3rd Battalion rank of Marechal de France, it is unlikely 9 tended to be in the mayhem, immediately A splendid fowling piece by Boutet is exhibited in Lt. Trevor’s unit was recorded in Brussels in Antwerp at the Commanding Officer’s that they would be carrying a sword the Royal Green Jackets Museum in Winchester, the after the battle that most such material in early July, moving to St. Denis on the request and was so impressed by this presented so much earlier in their military provenance of which indicates that it was taken from was looted. This after all is not a service King Joseph’s baggage after the Battle of Vitoria 15th August at Louvres in November and fine body of men, that he included them careers when they would have more 10 Royal Armouries, Leeds class mark IX-474 and 475 11 25 30 sword; it is a high status dress sword. recent and high ranking alternatives to Royal Armouries, Leeds class mark IX-3355 ending the year in Villeron. in the line at Waterloo. The family 12 The owner would therefore have been display. The more likely candidates are Royal Armouries, Leeds class mark XII-1564 connection with the Regiment continued 13 Royal Armouries, Leeds class mark XII-1766 sufficiently important to have his own those who failed to progress further but 14 Aries C., Armes Blanches Militaires Francaises, when William Trevor’s youngest son baggage, with full dress uniform and had achieved command rank early in Nantes, (1966-1990) (Edward’s grandson) Hubert joined the 15 L’Hoste J. & Buigne J.J., Armes Blanche, Symbolisme, was presumably expecting to wear this their career. This would include Friant West Yorkshire Regiment in 1885. It was Inscriptions, Marquages, Fourbisseurs et Manufactures. magnificent piece at the victory parade! who commanded the Old Guard, (La Tour du Pain, 1999) his daughter who bequeathed the sword 16 Bottet M., p56 and fig. XXIX Drouet D’Erlon who commanded the 17 Aries C., vol.XVI and vol. XXI to the Regiment. 18 This sword is therefore one of a very few 1st Corps and Durutte who was under Petard M., Des Sabres et Des Epees, (Nantes, 2005) unidentified examples still in existence. pp. 154-156 figs 385 and 386 his command. The few other possibilities 19 A question that to date has remained M. Marc Adolf, Association pour la Sauvegarde du Having consulted a number of well placed so far include the commander of the Klingenthal Museum, Alsace 20 elusive is which general at the Battle French sources, the current estimate 3rd Corps, Vandamme who became a The sword is believed to be in La Musee de L’Armee in Paris of Waterloo owned the sword. Here is that only a very small number of the 21 D’Armagnac Glaive General de Division in 1799 or possibly This appears in the seventh catalogue of Peter Finer, the research becomes complex. If it is ANVI pattern swords can be confirmed item 39 the enigmatic cavalry commander of the 22 accepted that this is the pattern of 20 in either museum or private collections.31 Christies, South Kensington, 21st May 2008 Lot 76 is in capitals, while the inscriptions on both 3rd Cavalry Corps, General Kellerman. 23 Almanach Imperiale MDCCCXII p.280, D’ Armagnac the glaive in York, and D’Armagnac’s are Thermidor ANVI, it must have been The sword owned by General Eble was is listed as a General de Brigade decorated with the presented after 1797 and before 1804, exhibited in Lausanne and is in a private Chevalier of the Legion D’Honneur in script. In April 2011 another example There may of course be others and in 24 Czerny’s 2nd April 2011 Lot 364 was offered for sale at Czerny’s Auction indeed it has been established that three collection. General Monnier’s glaive is reality it may now be impossible to identify 25 Laws M.E.S. Lt. Col., Battery Records of the Royal 24 almost identical examples were presented illustrated in Bottet’s 1903 volume and Artillery for 1815 House in Italy. In this case the glaive is the original owner, though it is fascinating 26 in 1798. The assumption based on the The 14th Regiment of Foot is one of the antecedent described as ANXII but is offered with no presumed to be in a private collection. to speculate and evaluate the possibilities. Regiments of the Prince of Wales Own Regiment of references in French sources indicate that The glaive presented to General Mermet Yorkshire, now the 1st Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment attribution and in the description there Regardless, the Regimental Museum in 27 it must have been presented to someone is illustrated in a portfolio of Boutet’s work Kane’s List of Artillery Officers, Royal Artillery Institute, is no mention of a signature under the York is in possession of a fine trophy of 4th Edition 1911 p.42 who at the time was a General de Division and is now on display in the Musee de war that acts as a reminder of one of the 28 Hart’s Army List 1861 quillons. The inscription on the blade 29 because had it been a General en Chef la Legion d’Honneur in Paris. A further Details kindly provided by Paul Evans, Royal Artillery however is described as ‘Manufacture most famous victories in the history of the Historical Branch, Woolwich (Corps or Army Commander) it would example owned by General Le Courbe is 30 de Klingenthal’ on one side and ‘Coulaux British Army and a battle honour carried Notes in the Regimental records Regimental have carried an inscription. However, illustrated in Thoumas32 but was thought Headquarters, York Freres’ on the other. This is interesting on their Colours to this day. 31 Bottet M., p56 D’Armagnac was never promoted further to be in the possession of the Le Courbe 32 Thoumas General, Les Anciennes Armees Francaises because the inclusion of the Coulaux than General de Brigade. It is fair to Vols. 2-4, reprinted Ken Trotman (2007) family in 1890. A further very similar Acknowledgements name must date this particular example assume therefore that the owner must 33 L’Hoste J., ‘Les Epee’s Portees en France’, Editions example is pictured in L’Hoste’s book ‘Les I am most grateful for the assistance in Portail, (La Tour du Pin, 2003) p.457 after February 1801 when the Coulaux have had an impressive military record 34 Epees Portees en France’ and attributed preparing this article and for the loan of images Napoleon et les Invalides, Collections du Musee de family became the Entrepreneurs. This before the beginning of the Empire in to Marechal Jourdan though there is no l’Armee, (Paris, 2010) p.147 to: Howard Dixon and Erin Caswell of Christies; sword sold for €42,000 perhaps reflecting 1804, and also held command rank at reference to its whereabouts.33 Finally an Nickki Eden of Peter Finer; M. Jean Binck; Mr the lack of provenance to a particular Waterloo. The individual carrying it is example attributed to Marechal Lefebvre David Peters and to the Trustees of the Prince general. D’Armagnac Boutet inscription therefore highly likely to have taken an is exhibited in La Musee de L’Armee in 14 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 15 Cannon and artillery for hire for fi lm industry, TV, theatre, concerts and gun salutes. John Slough of London have been in the business of restoration and conservation of cannon and artillery of all periods for over 40 years. e fi lm industry’s increasing need for blank fi ring big guns with experienced armourers and fi ring team means we now have a dedicated stock of period cannon and artillery ready for hire as well as the ability to produce any custom made piece for individual requirements. 9 Pdr RML Field gun 18 pdr QF Field gun Complete on period fi eld carriage Complete on its original fi eld carriage T 200 muzzle loading cannon and mortars 24 pdr reproduction cast iron Scottish carronades Used for the Battle Proms concerts Complete on period carriage Published by P.O. Box 70 Alexandria Bay, NY U.S.A. 13607-0070 Phone (613) 393-2980 Fax (613) 393-3378 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.armscollecting.com John Slough of London, Master Gunmaker, e Old Forge, Peterchurch, Hereford HR2 0SD 16 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide Tel: 07775 643 762 Email: [email protected] www.artilleryhire.comThe London Antique Arms Fair Guide 17 LondonArmsFairAdvert2013_Layout 1 29/08/2012 11:45 Page 1
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18 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide Fax: 01132 574 962 u Antique Flasks The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 19 Krank Email: [email protected] SPRING 2013 26 & 27 April
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ORGANISED BY ARMS FAIRS LTD DIRECTORS John Slough & Adam Slough 20 The London Antique07780 Arms Fair 663Guide 819 www.antiquearmsfairsltd.co.uk The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 21 index of advertisers Index of advertisers
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Antique & Classic Arms Fairs 23 Henry Krank 18
Arms Collecting 16 Hermann Historica 2
Britain’s Specialist Auctioneers of Arms Fairs Ltd 20 - 21 John Slough of London 4 & 36 Arms, Armour, Medals & Militaria Artillery Hire 17 Magazin Royal 34
Battle Proms 33 Parr, Ralph 10
Bonhams 3 Pete Holder Antique American Firearms 44
Combat Stress 19 Thomas Del Mar Ltd 52
Dixie Gun Works 34 Vincent, Garth 35
Finer, Peter 8-9 Wallis & Wallis 22
Martin Giles Antiques 34 West Street Antiques 6
Gwilliam, E.A.F 51
French Napoleonic P.O.W. bone ship. The Diane was formerly part of the French Nile Fleet, she escaped but THE BISLEY ANTIQUE was captured in 1800, she then served as HMS Niobe. The model was probably made by a French P.O.W. sailor who served on her. Reserved for the Autumn Connoisseur Collectors’ Auction, Tuesday and Wednesday 16th and 17th October. 16th & 17th October CLASSIC& ARMS FAIR Autumn CONNOISSEUR COLLECTORS’ www.bisleyarmsfair.co.uk AUCTION & SALE 548 THE BISLEY PAVILION Sunday 28th October 2012 Connoisseur Collectors’ colour illustrated catalogue £15, R of W £17 Sunday 31st March 2013 Regular Sale catalogue £9.50, Europe £10, R of W £10.50 (All prices include postage) A SPECIAL DAY FOR COLLECTORS AND SHOOTERS. Get to know the real value of your collection – our last ten sale catalogues ALL THE LEADING DEALERS. complete with prices realised, price £30 incl. post. DEALERS AND COLLECTORS’ PREVIEW 8.00am, £6.00 PUBLIC ADMISSION 10am, £3.00 The David Kirch Collection of Zeppelin and other airship memorabilia, Part 3, to be offered on 28th November following the regular sale 549 on 27th November. Catalogue £25 incl. post. ENQUIRIES: PHONE 020 8452 3308 or 020 8200 6384
22email:The [email protected] London Antique Arms Fairg Guide website: http://www.wallisandwallis.org The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 23 index of exhibitors index of exhibitors
Gwilliam, E. A. F. Candletree House, Cricklade, nr Swindon SN6 6AX Tel. 01793 750241 Fax. 01793 750359 Mob. 07836 613632 [email protected] [email protected] www.edredgwilliam.com 7 - 9 Index of exhibitors H.B.S.A. BCM HBSA, London, WC1N 3XX Tel. 07703 218 639 www.hbsa-uk.org [email protected] 55
Name Address and contact numbers Table No(s) Hartford Antique Arms (Rex Pope) Reading Tel. 0118 969 1826 79
A.A.S.N. Ltd. (Andrew Kiselev) Office 3 17 Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 1DT, Tel. 07989 236341 Hatford Antiques (P. Smith) Hatford Cottage, Faringdon, Oxon SN7 8JF Tel. 01367 710241 [email protected] 34 Mob. 07836 375931 [email protected] 68
Akaal Arms Ltd (Runjeet Singh) Warwickshire, UK Mob. 07866 424803 Henry Krank & Co. Ltd. (Z Nikacevic) 100-104 Lowtown, Pudsey, W Yorks, LS28 9AY Tel. 0113 256 9163 www.akaalarms.com [email protected] 18 - 19 07711 581 695 www.henrykrank.com [email protected] 25 – 29
Antique & Classic Arms Fairs (Cliff Fuller) Mob. 07850 373197 Hobson, G. J. Daccombe Mill, Coffinswell, Devon TQ12 4SY www.bisleyarmsfair.co.uk [email protected] 50 Tel. 01803 873121 [email protected] Mob. 07812 133 149 33
Antique Sword Trader (Geoff Sherwin) 22 County House, Monkgate, York, YO31 7NS 01751 417028 07795 344795 Huw Williams Antiques The Antique Shop, Madoc St, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9NL www.antiqueswordtrader.co.uk [email protected] 48 - 49 Tel. 01766 514741 Fax. 01766 514741 Mob. 07785 747561 Arbour Antiques (George Yannaghas) 1 The Monkery, Church Rd, Great Milton, OX44 7PB 01844 278139 07768 604202 [email protected] www.antiquegunswales.co.uk 40 www.arbourantiques.co.uk [email protected] 91 - 93 Iosson, Andrew 211 Ringinglow Road, Bents Green, Sheffield S11 7PT Arian Trading (George Yannaghas) 1 The Monkery, Church Rd, Great Milton, OX44 7PB 01844 278139 07768 604202 Tel. 0114 2366360 Mob. 07979 648663 www.ariantrading.com [email protected] 90 www.finesportingcollectablesltd.co.uk [email protected] 39
Arms and Armour Research Group www.hud.ac.uk/armsandarmour John Slough of London PO Box 355, Hereford HR2 9YE Tel. 07775 643762 (Paul Wilcock) University of Huddersfield/Royal Armouries [email protected] 53 www.johnsloughoflondon.co.uk [email protected] 1 - 6
Arms & Armour Society (A. Dove) PO Box 10232, London SW19 2ZD 51 John Wilson Antiques Mob. 07941 477043 [email protected] 67 - 68
Ashoka Arts Tel. 01903 814413 www.ashokaarts.com [email protected] 30 Jonathan Barrett Limited The Old Vicarage, Church Lane, Lewes BN7 2JA Tel. 01273 486501 Mob. 07717 743 061 Fax. 01273 486501 Beadle, Alan 105 - 106 www.jonathanbarrett.com [email protected] 23 - 24 Bonhams 1793 Ltd Antique Arms and Armour Department, Montpelier St, London SW7 1HH Ken Trotman Ltd. PO Box 505, Huntingdon, PE29 2XW Tel. 01480 454292 Fax. 01480 384651 Tel. +44 (0)207 393 3807 Fax. +44 (0)207 393 3932 Mob. 07768 823711 (Richard Brown) www.kentrotman.com [email protected] 83 - 84 www.bonhams.com [email protected] 73-74 M. L. A. G. B. (Ken Hocking) PO Box 340, Sevenoaks, Kent Tel. 01732 463214 52 Bottomley, A. S. Holmfirth, Yorks Mob. 07770 398 270 [email protected] www.andrewbottomley.com 80 - 82 Magazin Royal 65 Steenstraat, B1800, Vilvoorde, Belgium Tel. 0032 475492450 (Gilbert Putterie) Fax. 0032 22677537 [email protected] www.magazinroyal.be 76 - 77 Cartlidge, Michael Tel. 07810 766755 [email protected] 89 Manuela Gil Antiguidades (Jose Silva) Rua Marquesa de Alorna 38c, 1700-304 Lisbon, Portugal Tel:(351) 218-464-313 Cook, A. S. 132 Rydens Rd, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 3DU, Mob: (351) 964-055-915 www.manuelagil.pt [email protected] 61 Tel. 01932 228328 Fax. 01932 243126 www.antiquearms.co.uk [email protected] 101 - 102 Martin Giles Antiques Barnet, Herts Tel. 020 8441 3380 Mob. 07860 782 286 Fax. 020 8441 3432 www.mgantiques.co.uk [email protected] 64 - 65 Craddock, Richard Tel. 07747 117472 [email protected] 41a - 41b Michael D. Long Ltd. 86 Ireton Rd, Leicester LE4 9ET Tel. +44 (0) 845 260 1910 Mob. +44 (0)7970 161701 Dyson, P & Son Ltd 3 Cuckoo Lane, Honley, Holmfirth, W Yorks, HD9 6AS Tel. 01484 661062 (Bob Hedger) Fax. +44 (0)871 250 1910 www.michaeldlong.com [email protected] 41 Fax. 01484 663709 www.peterdyson.co.uk [email protected] 14 Millais Antiques (Geoffrey Dexter) PO Box 545, Crawley, RH10 6FG Tel. 01293 552 655 Mob. 07710 259 465 English Arms & Armour Mellanoweth House, Back Lane, Angarrack, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 5JE www.millaisantiques.co.uk geoff@millaisantiques. 57-57a (Terry English) Tel. 01736 753444 32 Nihonto U.K. (Ian Chapman) Tel: 01273 844 758 Mob: 07970 251 408 [email protected] 58 Flintlocks at War (Richard Smith) Taunton Antiques Market, Silver St, Taunton, TA1 3DH Tel. 01803 605405 Mob. 07969 599 076 Nobre, Eduardo Apartado 4217, 1503-001, Portugal [email protected] 71 www.flintlocksatwar.com [email protected] 35 Oriental Arms PO Box 55293, Haifa, Israel 34580 Tel. 00972 50 7587101 Fax. 00972 50 8251380 Garth Vincent Antique Arms & Armour The Old Manor House, Allington, Nr Grantham, Lincs NG32 2DH (Artzi Yarom) www.oriental-arms.com [email protected] 62 Mob. 07785 352151 Tel. 01400 281358 Fax. 01400 282658 Parr, Ralph Sidegarth, Aughton, Lancaster LA2 6PG Tel. 01524 811808 Fax. 01524 811445 10 - 12 www.garthvincent.com [email protected] 94 - 95
Gunmakers’ Company Charitable Trust The Proof House, 48-50 Commercial Rd, London E1 1LP Tel: 020 7481 2695 75
24 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 25 index of exhibitors index of exhibitors
Pete Holder Antique American Firearms PO Box 1199, Guildford, GU1 9JR Tel. 01483 277788 Fax. 01483 277784 Mob. 07778 008 008 Table plan for the fair www.peteholder.com [email protected] 45 - 47 Petty, David 2 The Grange, Green Lane, Burnham, Bucks SL1 8EN Tel. 01628 605519 97 - 98
Phoenix Antique Arms (P Reason) 17 Darracot Close, Deal, Kent, CT14 9PU Tel. 01304 372651 Fax. 01304 372651 www.oldguns.co.uk [email protected] 42 - 44
Regimentals Ltd (Malcolm Fisher) PO Box 130, Hitchin, SG5 3FE Tel. 01462 713 294 Mob. 07801 010 797 25 26 27 28 29 30 www.regimentals.co.uk [email protected] 63 24 31 Rod Akeroyd & Son (Rod/Jason) 20 Ribblesdale Place, Preston, PR1 3NA 01772 203845 Fax:01772 203855 07765
23 66 78 251532/07836 599464 www.firearmscollector.com [email protected] 15 - 17 32 65 67 77 79 Seidler, Christopher F. (Chris Seidler) PO Box 59979, London SW16 9AZ 0845 644 3674 fire exit 33 www.antique-militaria.co.uk [email protected] 56 76 64 68
80 Spoils of War (David Hughes) Hop Hill Cottage, Aubourn, Lincoln, LN5 9DZ Tel. 01522 788807 22 Mob. 07784 002826 www.spoils-of-war.co.uk [email protected] 78 34 81
21 Stand of Arms (Chris Berry) Southgate, London N14 Tel. 0208 886 4730 Fax. 0208 482 2204
35 Mob. 07790 806364 www.standofarms.co.uk [email protected] 36 - 38 63 69 75 82 Strømberg Antiques (Steen Strømberg) Store Kongensgade 10, DK1264, Copenhagen, Denmark Tel. 0045 3332 4205 Fax. 0045 3332 4205 Mob. 0045 2046 2801 36 62 70 74 www.stromberg.dk [email protected] 72 83
37 Thomas Del Mar Ltd 25 Blythe Rd, London W14 0PD Tel. 020 7602 4805
84 [email protected] www.thomasdelmar.com 69 73 61
Wallis & Wallis (Roy Butler) West St Auction Galleries, 7-9 West St, Lewes, BN7 2NJ 01273 480208
20 38 39 40 41 71 72 85 Fax:01273 476562 www.wallisandwallis.co.uk [email protected] 20 - 22
Waterloo Militaria 27 Merlin Road, Romford, Essex fire exit (Gary Lawrence) Mob. 07935 324562 www.waterloomilitaria.com [email protected] 13 42 19 Watts, Tony Mob: 07768 305 123 103 99 59 60 86 87 88 10 0 101 102 103 18 89 West Street Antiques (Jon Spooner) 63 West St., Dorking, Surrey RH4 1BS Tel. 01306 883487 Fax. 01306 883487 10 58 43 4 Mob. 07855 519934 www.antiquearmsandarmour.com [email protected] 86 - 88 98
10 Wilson, Pete 59 – 60 90 57 5 17 97
44 Winks, David Green Gables, Thorpe Le Soken CO16 0LH Tel. 01255 862 683 104 91 56 16 Yorke, P. ‘Quills’, Bagshot Road, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8DE Tel. 01276 857576 99 - 100 96 45 92 55 15 95 46 1 93 54 reception 94 fire exit 47 53 52 51 50 49 48 47a 2 14
13 12 11 10 9 8 7 5 4 3
loading bay
26 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 27 the alleys of dublin & kilkenny: gunmakers the alleys of dublin & kilkenny: gunmakers
The Alleys of Dublin Maker Location Trading dates Trading Address Alley, John Dublin 1804-1807 19 Fownes’ Street & Kilkenny: Gunmakers Alley, Lewis 1769-1783 April 29th 1783 d. By the fall from a horse. Alley, Lewis Dublin
by David Stroud Alley, Lewis Dublin 1769-1775 17 Great Ship Street
The Alley name was connected to the Irish guntrade in both Dublin and Kilkenny for at least 38 Alley, Lewis Dublin 1776-1780 15 Cork Hill
years (1769 -1807). It would appear through the trade directories that all those listed in fig. 2 are well Alley, Lewis Dublin 1781-1783 2 Palace Street documented. However, there are two exceptions, firstly James Alley, who appears in the F. Carroll Alley, George Dublin 1784/1785 9 Clarendon Street List published in the Irish Sword, Volume 3, No 10 in 1957, but who is for some reason lacking from Alley, George Dublin 1786-1789 17 Great Ship Street Alley, George Dublin 1790-1793 28 Parliament Street the Directories. Carroll adds the information that James Alley was the “maker of a pistol lost”. Not Alley, James Dublin 1778 gripping stuff but in this forensic science of studying the lost history of the gunmakers of Ireland, a Alley, William Dublin 1796-1802 6 Abbey Street worthwhile morsel. Similarly with Peter Alley, the sole additional information added is that he died in Alley, Peter Kilkenny died 1779 1779. Alley, William Kilkenny 1788 Rose Inn Street
Fig 2 The Alley Gunmakers of Dublin & Kilkenny trading dates and addresses.
Lewis Alley
In Lewis Alley however, we have a more traceable legacy, not only in his work but in his advertising prowess. Alley was one of the most celebrated Dublin gunsmiths from the last quarter of the 18th century and a newspaper advertisement from the Dublin Chronicle of January 1770 informs us that Lew’ Alley, as he was known, was deeply indebted to the noblemen and gentlemen of Kilkenny who encouraged him in his enterprise at Great Ship Street, Dublin… following his travels to London and other parts of England, adding, this being achieved, at “considerable expense”. With this evidence it would appear Lewis Alley was engaged in some way in the gunmaking business in Kilkenny prior to his mainland excursion and Fig 4 William Edwards’ advert. returned having acquired considerable additional knowledge. Looking at the William Edwards, who on the death of his Joseph and John Manton. Rigby did this standard of this maker’s workmanship, his Dublin master, Matthew Collins, in 1770, mission incognito, making no mention time in England during the 1760’s, was well took a five year apprenticeship with the of his interest in the gun manufacturing spent and shows the sheer commitment celebrated Twigg in London between business. He also frequented Forsyths he had for his trade and his thirst for 1770-1774. William Edwards finally at 10 Piccadilly on a similar exercise. further advancement. As he indicates, traded in Dublin from 1776-1797 and was Following these visits William Rigby took the cost must have been considerable succeeded by his son Thomas Edwards on a higher opinion of the work produced and in the days of horse- drawn carriages, 1798-1811. Fig 4. at 19 Suffolk Street, Dublin! Self- praise travelling was slow and tiresome. indeed but the Rigbys were at this time Much later, in 1815, the young William forging ahead and creating a classic style Another young gunmaker who made Rigby also made the trip to London in and adopting new and ingenious touches Fig 1 An Early Gunmaker’s Workshop this excursion across the Irish Sea was order to visit the workshops of both to their wares.
28 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 29 the alleys of dublin & kilkenny: gunmakers the alleys of dublin & kilkenny: gunmakers
Returning to Lewis Alley we have in fig Service , without any assisitance to heat, 17 Great Ship Street in the latter end of Having commenced business in Great Ship Street, Dublin, thinks it 5,6 & 6a a pair of Queen Anne Silver or any other matter whatever that can be 1785. This may have taken time owing incumbent on him to acknowledge the obligations he is under to those Wire Inlaid Turnoff pistols by Lew’ Alley prejudice to the Barrell” to the legal matters arising from Lewis’s Noblemen and Gentlemen , who so greatly encouraged him during his and these carry his makers mark “LA” in untimely and sudden death. Weapons residence in Kilkenny. He hopes to a continuance of their protection a tablet between proof marks. Another From the Faulkner’s’ journal we are produced by G. Alley appear to be and that of the Nobility Gentry, and Public in General which he will fine example of this makers work can be informed that Lewis Alley of what was rare, as to date the author has never endeavour to merit by a faithful attention to their commands. He begs seen in Keith Neal and D.H.L Backs book then named “Big Ship Street” married encountered any weapons attributed to inform them he has by considerable expense and a long residence in Great British Gunmakers; John Twigg Miss Catherine Notts of Palace Street on to him. Having expressed this opinion London and other parts of England acquired a knowledge of the several and the Packington Guns. Plates 484 & the 14th April 1770. it must be remembered that many guns methods practised by the ablest masters there from which he has formed 485 illustrate a superb quality Flintlock are found with purely the “Alley” surname such a plan for the construction of his work, as he thinks is calculated Sporting Gun with Silver Mounts and Thomas Bryan of Dublin is listed as being with no initial. This may give us our answer to make neatness and elegance entirely confident with what shall be in Pierced Reverse Side Plate. a gun barrel forger for Lewis Alley in 1772. especially with the kudos added by the every respect most serviceable. reputation of Lewis Alley. Howard Blackmore in British Military George Alley A good first and second floor to be let. Firearms (1650-1850) page 157…. George Alley was trading in his own right William Alley quotes Lewis Alley as having submitted at 9 Clarendon Street from 1784..this William Alley was initially listed in 1788 as a system of “browning” to Ordnance being the year following Lew’ Alleys fatal trading from Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny. It between 1771-1772. The preparation fall from a horse on the 29th April 1783. would appear he transferred his business Fig 3 Transcript of this poor quality cutting from the Dublin Chronicle of January, 1770. was not given except… “ to be laid on The connection between Lew’ Alley and to Dublin in around 1795 and relocated the barrels with a bit of linen rag in the George Alley has yet to be established at 6 Abbey Street.(1796-1802). The same manner as a barrel is rubbed with but as can be seen from the trading pistols in figures 7,8 & 9 are dating from oly,which in two days compleats the dates and addresses George moved the period 1788-1795 and carry a gold Brown of equal shining Colour fit for into Lewis Alley’s old trading address of cartouche with “Wm Alley, Kilkenny”.
Fig 5. A Pair of Cannon Barrelled Flintlock Boxlock Queen Anne Pistols by Lew’Alley.
Fig.6. Lock showing L.Alley.
Fig 7 William Alley Duelling Pistols - gold cartouche.
Fig.6a. Barrel showing LA Makers Mark Fig 8 William Alley Duelling Pistols. Circa 1790. Fig 9. William Alley Duelling Pistol lock.
30 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 31 JSL PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS the alleys of dublin & kilkenny: gunmakers
John Alley John Alley had a very short career in the gunmaking business: 1805-1807. However, his considerable experience gained while in the army can be seen from the advertisement placed in the Dublin Evening Post and detailed on his BATTLE trade label. It was common practice for gunmakers to insert their own trade card/ label should they carry out any repairs or work on a pistol of another maker. Hence we encounter many cased sets today attributed to two or more makers. PROMS In fig 12. we have an original trade label for John Alley and the although illegible the content is almost identical to the PICNIC CONCERTS advertisement placed in the Dublin Evening Post of January 1805, Fig 11. URGHLEY OUSE ULY LENHEIM ALACE ULY ATFIELD OUSE ULY Coincidently the style and content is B H - 6 J • B P - 13 J • H H - 20 J similar to Lew’ Alley’s advert of 35 years HIGHCLERE CASTLE - 3 AUGUST • ALTHORP PARK - 10 AUGUST • RAGLEY HALL - 17 AUGUST earlier and they are both wishing to let property.
This glimpse at the Alleys Gunmakers Fig 12. John Alley trade label with similar wording to his advertisement of 1805. moves the subject hopefully a little further A CELEBRATION OF forward and the research continues. The For further reading Yorkshire. 07818 470123. author is always pleased to hear from For further reading on the gunmakers of www.ramrodantiques.co.uk anyone with weapons by Irish gunmakers Ireland please refer to Irish Gunmakers [email protected]. CLASSICAL MUSIC WITH... and especially information relating to Irish by Richard Garrett published Hong Kong Any faults herein are my own. My thanks to LM and John Slough for photography. Gunmakers trade labels. 2008. Available from David Stroud, 6 Victoria Road, Scarborough, North FIREWORKS
IRISH ARMOURY, 19 FOWNES’S STREET within two doors of Dame Street. John Alley who had the honour of serving during the whole of the arduous campaign in Egypt, Under the immediate command, and the attested SPITFIRE approbation of General Keohler and Colonel Sir Charles Holloway, as one of the principal of his Majesty’s mission of Artificers to that country, respectfully begs leave to inform the Nobility, Gentry, and Gentlemen of the Army in particular, that he is now very extensively engaged in the Gun-making business and that in consequence of the very general experience he has long had and of CANNONS his having enjoyed opportunities from his peculiar situation in life, of inspecting and appreciating the various processes adopted in the first manufactories of arms in the world, he is now enabled to offer for sale such Fowling Pieces, Rifles, Duelling Pistols and Pistolets, Muskets and Musketoon with Magazine CAVALRY Locks to prime themselves as, on inspection and trial, the connoisseur will find, …. In an uncommon degree the various recommendation’s of elegance durability and correct shooting. He presumes to invite the curious to arms to examine a Mameluke Rifle which from …….. and Egyptian materials, he constructed in the highest style of oriental smithing at Grand Cairo; and begs leave to add , that it is his settled determination to make himself responsible for the superior excellence of every article of his manufacture and to demand, at once, but the very lowest price. FOLLOW US ON:
NB. Apprentice wanting and Furnished Apartment to be let. 19 Fownes’s Street
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 206002 Fig 11. Transcript of the advertisement published in the Dublin Evening Post dated January 12th 1805, Circa 1790. The Offi cial Wine of the Battle Proms
32 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 33 WWW.BATTLEPROMS.COM TEL: 01432 355416 GARTH VINCENT
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Honoring The Civil War 150 Year Anniversary Dixie’s legendary catalog offers the world’s largest selection of Civil War replica arms and accessories for re-enactment enthusiasts and history buffs... PLUS a huge selection of the latest blackpowder hunting and sport equipment... Dixie’s 2012 catalog is packed with more than 10,000 items including blackpowder shooting sup- plies, antique gun parts, and accou- terments. PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND EXPERTISE GUARANTEED VIEW ITEMS AND ORDER ONLINE! www.dixiegunworks.com Major credit cards accepted FOR ORDERS ONLY (800) 238-6785 DIXIE GUN WORKS, INC. P.O. Box 130 Dept. LAF Union City, TN 38281 INFO PHONE: (731) 885-0700 FAX: (731) 885-0440 e-mail: [email protected] Address: The Old Manor House, Allington, Lincolnshire, NG32 2DH Telephone Number: 01400 281358 | Email: [email protected] 34 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide www.guns.uk.com The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 35 Whitetail 1/4p 4C The Duke of Wellington’s Rifle & John Norton’s Bullet The Duke of Wellington’s Rifle & John Norton’s Bullet Master Gunmaker Restorer of Artillery by John Slough Antique Arms The year was 1947, at Stratfield Saye, the country seat of the Duke of Wellington, a small fire broke out under one of the staircases. The Fire Brigade was called and when the fire was put out they discovered a cupboard which had been boarded up for many years. Amongst the items salvaged from the cupboard was a gunbox containing this rifle with all its accessories just as we see it today.
At this time, just after the war, this from The Duke of Wellington by John in Black Powder magazine, it is stated that country was in a bad way financially. Straton Who in turn sold it to one of the the gun, in its case. was sold in a London An old obsolete gun like this was not few serious collectors of the time, Dr auction house. No trace of this sale can A 13pdr Q. F. field gun – P.O.A. particularly sought after, regardless of Rabett, for the princely sum of £3-10- be found and before his death the late who the previous owner was. It must be 00 (£3.50 today). Dr Rabett also shot Dr Rabett confirmed to Peter Hawkins appreciated that antique guns had little at Stratfield Saye and he kept a private that he did not think the gun had ever value then and there were few collectors museum in Kent at Rochester, where this been through an auction house. In 2009 PO Box 355 • Hereford • HR2 9YE with enough interest to amass important gun was later displayed. The gun remained all these facts were verified by Peter Tel: 07775 643762 collections. There were virtually no books in his private collection for about 15 years Hawkins in discussion with Dr Rabett. E-mail: [email protected] and very little in the way of discussion on and he sold it at about the time he left the the subject, unlike today. house that housed the museum. The question now is why did the Duke of www.johnsloughoflondon.co.uk Wellington have this gun? After sometime the gun in its box was sent The new owner had the provenance of for cleaning to John Straton who owned the rifle checked at Turners of Reading in Did he buy it or was it a gift? Thomas Turner & Sons, Gunmakers of the 1970s, John Straton signed a statement Reading, established 1838. John Straton on Thomas Turner’s company headed The controversy over who invented the was known to the 7th Duke of Wellington paper confirming the provenance. hollow base bullet has always been an as he rented shooting from the Stratfield interesting talking point. Saye estate. After cleaning it was bought In 1991, in an article by Duncan Bedford 36 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 37
John Slough Artillery Ad A4 20101 1 11/4/10 22:52:45 The Duke of Wellington’s Rifle & John Norton’s Bullet The Duke of Wellington’s Rifle & John Norton’s Bullet
Captain John Norton of the 34th Regt For a long time the Duke of Wellington We can dismiss Greener since he was of Foot invented the Cylindro-Conoidal refused to recognise the advantages trying to sell the idea of a wooden plug. Bullet in 1823 after working on it since of the cylindro-conoidal bullet with its The method that Delvigne favoured at 1818. It had a hollow base and he formed hollow base, yet in 1852 he finally agreed this time was still the pillar breech and At the above period, being in the same never had any doubt in my mind, of If Norton had given this gun to the Duke of the idea of the hollow base while serving with the Marquis of Anglesey, then the as for Minié he was a newcomer who Regiment, I very frequently accompanied Captain Norton having been the original Wellington in about 1837, Norton would in Southern India when a fellow officer Master General of the Ordnance, and took previous ideas from the others and Captain Norton in his Rifle practice, with inventor of the new Principles, as applied have had it made to his own specification told him about natives of Malaya using declared his agreement with the proposal succeeded in selling the invention to the his new Bullet, at Woolwich, and other to Fire-Arms, which have been since, in Austria, just like the rifle he borrowed elastic locus pith to form the base of the that the Minié ball & musket should be British Government in the 1850s. quarters, and I can testify to have, then, under certain modifications, introduced from a fellow officer in his original trials darts fired in blowpipes. They chewed adopted by the British army. seen him with his Rifle Shell, (in order into the Armies of Europe under the name at Woolwich, that is to say, rifled in .58 the end in such a way as to form a hollow The Government recognised Minié’s to exemplify and prove his invention) of the Minié Bullet. calibre then cased in London with his own base which prevented the air escaping While owning this gun did he become work by paying him £20,000 and after explode small bags of gunpowder placed bullet mould in the case which is how it is down the sides of the dart. He could see convinced of the merits of both rifling & much debate they also paid Greener behind pieces of board to represent a (Signed,) Richard Airey, Q.M. General.’ now and as it was when it came to light that this greatly improved the accuracy of bullet? It cannot be pure coincidence that £10,000 for his contribution and yet the tumbril. And from that day to this, I have after the fire at Stratfield Saye. the blowpipe. He later improved his bullet this gun is the same calibre as what has man who had the original idea, Captain by inventing a steel cup that fitted in the became known as the 1853 Enfield Rifle. John Norton got nothing. hollow base. He died before he could Dimensions and details of the Rifle: bring his invention to fruition. Captain There still remain a few unanswered However following the publication of Overall length: 41.25” spring. The forward trigger is the ‹hair trigger› and is adjusted by Norton was an honourable man so while questions. his book ‘A List of Captain Norton’s Weight: 7.5lbs the turret screw between the two triggers. serving in her Majesty’s army he did not Projectiles and His Other Naval and feel that he could take out a patent on it Since this gun was made in 1835-1840 Military Inventions’ a public statement Barrels: 25” long, pale blue, octagonal .58” calibre, 7 Turn-over release: The unlocking mechanism for the turn-over until after he had left the service. was it purchased by the Duke or was it was made in 1860 by Richard Airey, groove ratchet rifling, righthand twist 1 turn in 32”. Engraved barrel release is mounted on the fore-end of the trigger plate. In 1836 William Greener came up with a gift? Quartermaster General as follows: CSAKBERENYBEN between the breech and the backsight on This is actuated by pulling forward part of the trigger guard bow a similar idea by putting a small wooden both barrels and with figure 1 on the breech of one barrel and backwards. The barrel swivel is re-locked by releasing it. plug inside the hollow base. If he bought it, was it because he wanted ‘I am fully prepared to bear testimony, figure 2 on the other. The backsights on each barrel are identical, to discover at first hand the capabilities of and give evidence to the facts, as stated and are a fine example of the engraver›s art. The barrels can be Stock: This is in two pieces consisting of the butt and the two Credit is usually given to Delvigne & the hollow base cylindro-conoidal bullet in the Memorial of John Norton, Esq., dismounted for casing and transportation. The hook breeches barrel side-cappings. They are made from best walnut with a well Captain Minié. Delvigne claims to have and its performance when fired through a late Captain in the 34th Regiment to engage into the swivel or turn-over plate bolted to the action. figured butt. The barrel cappings have fine fiddle-back markings. started on his bullet in 1826 but it was not good rifled barrel? that effect, that when quartered with The interlocking barrel loops are held together by cross bolts and The heel plate bears a strange cypher. A large screw-in sling until l838 that it appeared. him at Woolwich in the year 1823, he, secured by screws passing through the stock side-capping into button is fitted about four inches from the toe, and a sling eye is If the latter case then he would have Captain Norton invented and exhibited recessed nuts. mounted through the joint of the barrels, this is screwed on to a Captain Minié did not come on to the probably ordered it from one of the an Elongated Expanding Shot and Shell, plate located in the ramrod groove on the corresponding barrel scene until 1844 and he added John London makers. The best rifled barrels identical in principle with the present Minié Lock and side-plate: This is marked MULLER on the lock plate capping. Norton’s steel cup. Minié did not make at that time were made in Austria and Bullet. and JANOS on the side-plate on the reverse of the action. The his deal with the British Government until this would account for it being cased lock is of the back action type, has a detented tumbler and the Ramrod: Made of ebony and tipped with brass, the head has a 1855. in London as the case is in the style of sear spring is an extension of the tail of the main-spring. The dimpled iron insert. workmanship of Sarah Robinson who detent is unusual as it is centrally disposed through a bifurcation It is strange to note that after all the made guncases for both Joseph and John in the tumbler. Both plates have massive dovetails at the forward Case: Made in oak to the style of Sarah Robinson of London, messing about with wood plugs and metal Manton. end which engage into the swivel plate carrying the barrels. fully fitted and lined with green baize, some water damage. cups the type of bullet adopted by almost These give extra strength and support for the stock. Fitted with the original accoutrements including John Norton›s all of the world’s armies was in fact the If however it was given to the Duke then hollow based bullet mould with nipple key and pricker, leather transformation of an idea based on the we need to ask who would have profited Set trigger: The mechanism is mounted onto a short plate covered powder flask, bullet mallet, tin of percussion caps and a blowpipes of tribesmen from the Malayan from making this gift? Who would wish screwed onto the barrel turn-over plate. This is of the two trigger tin of John Norton›s metal cups. jungle by Captain John Norton. to demonstrate to the Duke the merits type and is set by pulling back the rear trigger to compress the of the rifling and the bullet? It must have The bullet mould with this rifle was made been either Captain Norton, Greener, to Capt Norton’s design circa 1823. The Delvigne or Captain Minié. Acknowledgements: steel cups were made circa 1838. A Rifle of Distinction by Duncan Bedford, Black Powder 1991 A List of Captain Norton›s Projectiles, and His Other Naval and Military Inventions by John Norton published by Bibliobazaar.
38 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 39 Firearms of the Mail Coach Guards Firearms of the Mail Coach Guards by F Wilkinson
requires Travel in the 17th and 18th centuries was a risky business. Outside the towns the roads were usually ANTIQUE FIREARMS neglected and in poor condition, partly because the local vestries were reluctant to spend parish funds on their upkeep. In winter the roads were even more dangerous with flooding and subsidence. DRAGOON • POCKET • NAVY • ARMY • POLICE • DERRINGER During the 18th century new laws forced local authorities to carry out some repairs which did bring SEMI-AUTOS • 1873 SINGLE ACTIONS • 1877/8 DOUBLE ACTIONS about slight improvements. However poor roads were not the only hazard faced by travellers for, in
Plus ALL COLT Accessories, Cases, Moulds, Flasks, Holster, addition to the risk of accidents, there was another very real danger – robbery. Books and Associated Material Roads were lonely and dark making them re-active with action being taken only offered to any one who succeeded in ideal for ambushes. Attempts were made after a crime had been committed; there getting the conviction of a wrong-doer. to reduce this danger as early as 1285 was little, if any preventative action. This document excused its owner from when the Statute of Westminster decreed serving any of the inconvenient, unpaid, that main roads between towns were to Parliament attempted to improve matters unpopular parochial duties incumbent be widened and the areas at their sides and as an encouragement to the public on all parishioners. As such, copies were were to be cleared of trees or bushes to become involved in maintaining the law much sought after and soon acquired whereby a man might lurk to do harm. the Act of 1692 An Act for Encouraging a monetary value, changing hands for However, over the centuries, judging the Apprehending of Highway Men (4/5 considerable sums. In 1817 a Parliamentary by the frequent references to robbery GM.C8) was passed and came into Committee was told that in London each included in various royal proclamations, effect on 25 March 1693. Under this act, was reckoned to be worth around 20 the benefits were minimali. During the anybody making a successful prosecution to 25 guineas (£880-£1,100); they were 18th century law-enforcement, provided of any highwayman received a reward abolished in 1822. by the local watch and a parish constable, of £40ii as well as receiving the villain’s was minimal and neither was very efficient. horse and belongings. In 1698 another Before setting out on their journey it What little policing there was, was largely reward, known as a Tyburn Ticket, was behoved all travellers to take precautions,
Beautiful Nimschke-style engraved Smith & Wesson Second Model American single action revolver serial number 17837 with eight inch barrel and two-piece ivory grips manufactured circa 1873
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Fig 8 Fares on the coaches were not cheap so that it is likely that the majority of travellers would be able to afford quaintly arms such as this pocket pistol by Jackson of Birmingham circa 1784. It has with silver wire decoration on the stock and a silver butt cap.
40 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 41 Firearms of the Mail Coach Guards Firearms of the Mail Coach Guards
which meant, in most cases, arming phrase and demand their money and meant by the phrase properly armed is One reason was that the postmasters themselves. When travelling by coach valuables. There were occasions when unclear. awaiting delivery were never quite sure the driver and possibly a guard might travellers fought back but they were what time the mail would arrive and be armed but many passengers also infrequentiv. In general the victims handed Highwaymen, despite the serious consequently were often not ready to preferred to arm themselves. The firearms over their purses, wallets or jewellery threat that they represented, achieved deal with it. As a result of his research most commonly carried by travellers were apart from sundry items that most a somewhat romantic, certainly Palmer came up an extensive plan single-shot pocket pistols or perhaps the seasoned travellers had concealed about undeserved, reputation for gallantry and to improve the whole system of mail slightly larger travelling or overcoat pistol, their person before starting their journey. romance. Myths such as Dick Turpin’s distribution in the country which included midway in size between a pocket and a ride to York on his horse Black Bess were a simple, but obvious, solution to this horse or holster pistol. Apart from a pistol Certain areas were notorious for the relished and their exploits were followed particular problem. Why not use coaches another common defence weapon was number of robberies and Hounslow by the public and, when captured and to carry the mail, get them to run to a set a smaller version of a musket, reduced Heath, just outside London, was one condemned to death, their execution timetable so that postmasters were ready in size so as not to occupy too much such area for it was used by so many was seen as an event to be enjoyed and and waiting to deal with the bags as soon room, and known as a coaching carbine. visitors, social and commercial. However celebrated. The famous, very popular, as they were delivered and ensure much musical play The Beggar’s Opera, safer delivery by having armed guards on performed first in London in January the coach? 1728, featured as its central character Captain Macheath, a highwayman who Using various business and social contacts is arrested, jailed, escapes from Newgate Palmer was able to present his plan to the Prison, is recaptured and condemned to Prime Minister, William Pitt the Younger death but reprieved, to the joy of the (1759-1806). Despite strong opposition people. Highwaymen, as they stood at from the Postmaster General and his the gallows, were expected to, and often staff who saw Palmer as an interfering, did, put on a show of bravado with brave ignorant amateur, Pitt thought it might be speeches. Once executed their bodies a workable idea. He gave permission for might be hung in chains from a gibbet an experimental run to be held between and left to rot as a warning to the public. London and Bath but was adamant that Sometimes their body was handed over to it was to be at Palmer’s expense. Palmer the surgeons that they might demonstrate hired a coach, planned the route and Fig 13 Typical guard’s pistol by Mortimer dating from 1788-1816, It has all the usual features of their skills of dissection. Highway arranged for five changes of horses to brass barrel and furniture, sliding-bolt safety-catch. robbery declined in the 19th century take place at inns spaced along the road but the romanticising of the highwayman and on 2 August 1784 the run took place. Another favourite defence weapon was highway robbery was not limited to the blossomed with a number of highly It was a great success and cut the journey the blunderbussiii capable of discharging open country and there are records of imaginative novels such as Rookwood by time by one hour whilst a similar run to ten or more balls at each shot. robberies taking place in Central London. William Ainsworth published in 1834. Bristol was equally good. In 1720 there was a robbery in Lincoln’s Inn Fig 3 This illustration is typical of the romantic Victorian image of the highwayman which In some cases it was known that the Fields right in the heart of the legal area Like all villains, the footpad and Palmer was subsequently employed by developed in the 19th century but had little or no relevance to the real-life crude, brutal highwayman was advised by workers at of London. If travel on the mainland was highwayman were always on the look- the government to put his plan into action villain. the various inns along the coaching routes dangerous it was apparently even more out for easy targets and one of the most and set up similar routes between London who would be the most suitable victims. so in Ireland. On 23rd March 1801 the vulnerable groups were the post boys. Most of the boys were young, aged 14- were less likely to be stopped. In the late and other main towns. Within a few Most highway robberies occurred when Morning Chronicle newspaper reported At the central London post office the 18, and defenceless, so that they made 18th century John Palmer (1742-1818) years the country was criss-crossed with the coach was obliged to slow down that the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in daily mail was gathered and sorted into an attractive target for any villain. Alone was a theatre manager and entrepreneur, Royal Mail coach-runs connecting most at such places as a bend in the road or consequence of the frequent robberies packets destined for distribution centres on an open road on a dark night, they who, in the course of his business, made important towns and cities. By 1798 some when climbing a hill. The robber, usually of the Mail, has ordered an escort of six across the country. Late at night the were hardly likely to resist and when several trips from his home in Bath to twenty two Royal Mail coaches regularly mounted, would suddenly appear, privates and a corporal, properly armed bundled mail was handed over to the threatened or, on occasions, beaten, and London. The London to Bath road was left London every Sunday night. The present his pistol and threaten the driver instead of having only a sword and pistol, post boys who set off on horseback or on happily rare occasions even killed, one of the best in the country, partly coaches were run to a tight schedule so and passengers with some blood-curdling to attend each mail coach. Quite what is with a small cart to deliver the cases. they were only too ready to hand over because of heavy social traffic between that now the local centres knew at what the bags of mail. The chances of a letter the two towns. Palmer very soon realised time the mail would arrive and could be reaching its intended destination were not that the stage coaches did the journey ready and waiting. particularly good, a fact recognised by much quicker than the mail and were far those in charge. Official advice from the less vulnerable. He became sufficiently Palmer’s comprehensive postal plan to Postmaster General was that the public interested that he undertook some the government dealt with a whole range should divide bills of exchange or other research into the situation and came to of points concerning collection, charges valuable documents and send each part the conclusion that among the reasons for and general administration. Some were separately. If the mail was stolen on one the very poor postal service was that the relevant to running the coaches and trip each part of the document, on its horses used by the mail were old and slow security but it was item number ten of own, was valueless. but, even more importantly there were his plan that set out his ideas for better often long delays at the distribution centres security by having armed guards on the In contrast to these poor post boys, where the transfer of mail took place. coaches. stage coaches with their passengers and Fig 7 A coaching carbine by Griffin of London circa 1765; pre-dating mail coaches but obviously likely still to be in use. The bore is fairly guards presented a less attractive target large, 15, but the weapons is constructed to be light and convenient for coaches with a skeleton butt. for the highwaymen and consequently
42 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 43 Firearms of the Mail Coach Guards Firearms of the Mail Coach Guards
The guard should by no means be left driver holding a blunderbuss with, what passengers to reward driver and guard either to the postmaster, or master of appears to be, another slung across his at the end of each journey. One or two machinesv to provide, as those they chest. The drivers were never armed and references to this practice suggest that could procure could be little relied on the guard was issued with the brace of this income was not inconsiderable but in any respect. A soldier is accustomed pistols and the blunderbuss. As far as using also that at time some guards were a little to the discharge of firearms, to keeping military personnel as guards is concerned too oppressive in their collection. them, clean. and to watch and fatigue in the records show that hardly any of the late hours; a sufficient number of them, guards were ex-servicemen but came At the height of the mail coach era there well recommended by their officers from all walks of life. At first the coaches were numerous applicants for the position should be distributed over the kingdom, or diligences with their drivers and guards of guard. The qualifications demanded and one quartered at the inn of every were, apart from strict observance of the from applicants, as set down in 1836 by stage or every other stage where the timetable, under the direct control of the George Louis, Superintendent, required diligences stop to change, he might be private contractors running them and it him to be five feet six inches tall, under seated on the top of the coach and would seem that any arms carried by the thirty years of age, able to read and write, observe suspicious persons, he might guard were, presumably, supplied by the provide character witnesses and he had have two short guns or blunderbusses, contractors. to find two housekeepers to stand as and the coachman might have pistols his security at fifty pounds each. If the to use if necessary, they should have The job of guard was not easy for he applicant were successful he had to be Fig 4 Guard’s blunderbuss as supplied by Mortimer from 1788 -1816, they are almost identical with those later supplied by the Harding firm. some extraordinary pay and be liable to was personally responsible for the mail in possession of five pounds for he was the guards was abandoned and either two mould & screw driver at £5-3-6 p sett prints appear to show any external fitting military punishment for neglect of duty,- and faced daily physical hardship for, required to take an oath and meet certain or three people travelled on the roof at a £305-6-6vii for the weapons. In 1793 Haskerviii told --- No outside passengers to be allowed. ensconced on a less than comfortable charges; one pound eighteen shillings cheaper fare than that of the four inside the guards that they were to ensure that seat at the back of the coach, he was for his bond, one shilling for his oath of passengers. Seven blunderbusses at £1-7-6; £9-12-6 the pistols were well loaded and hung Whilst the principle of using armed constantly exposed to wind and weather. office, one pound seven shillings for a One pair of pistols at £3-1-6 handy but quite what he meant by hung guards, as proposed by Palmer, was In his red coat and top hat he was a striking box of tools, two shillings for locks, ten The new standard coach design was handy is unclear. adopted, the use of military personnel figure and continues to embellish many a shillings for bars and three pounds and 1789 Jan 5: To Mr.Mortimer for 64 setts approved by Palmer in 1786 and came was rejected as being too great a drain Christmas card but he needed to be in eight pence for a lamp. of arms consisting of a blunderbuss and into service in 1788 and from then on These firearms by Mortimer set the pattern on the army during the current war. In good health for the journeys must have pair of pistols with powder horn, bullet all contractors were obliged to use it. It for the future and the total number made fact few of Palmer’s original ideas about been pretty exhausting. His wage was low, The earliest direct purchase of firearms mould & screw driver at £5-3-6 each seems that from 1788 the employment of and supplied probably never exceeded the guards were followed in detail. The around ten shillings a week (around £30 made by the Post Office was in 1786 when £331-4. guards and the issuing of their equipment several hundred and a limited number have only illustration depicting the first trial run today) but there was the attraction of the the records show that in March was paid to: became part of the Post Office service survived. Probably the largest surviving shows a civilian guard seated next to the passengers’ tips for it was customary for In the accounts there are numerous similar although, so far, no formal order setting group is held by the Royal Armouries Mr John Bennett for firearms for guards payments relating to firearms and their out this change has been found. From in Leeds and their records show that a £4-14-0(Post2/84) repairs. There are also references to the subsequent correspondence it would purchase of belts and cases for firearms number was officially disposed of in the appear that Palmer probably made this past. The blunderbusses are well-made Records show that at this date a gunmaker as well as a cover for a blunderbuss but change without getting approval from the flintlocks with a 35 cms (14 ins.) brass of this name was working in Threadneedle exactly what these cases and covers were Postmaster General. He was soon well barrel flaring to approximately a one inch Street, London which is quite close to the is unclear. Their context strongly suggests known for his autocratic way of doing bore at the muzzle. The wall is substantial then headquarters of the post office. No that they were of leather and they may things, often to the annoyance of the and engraved around the muzzle is the details of the purchase are given but, as well have been holsters but, so far, no Postmaster General. inscription For His Majesty’s Mail Coaches may be seen later by the comparison of example or illustration of them has been which, after 1837, was changed to For Her prices, it could well have been for two clearly identified as being post office One of the first indications of this new Majesty’s Mail Coaches. As each weapon pistols and a blunderbuss. This date and property, nor have any details of any use supply policy is given in the accounts for was manually engraved the quality and the limited order suggest that the purchase of holsters or cases been discovered. the quarter ending 5 April 1789 (Post spacing of the letters varies. Along the top was possibly just an exploratory one. There is no definitive indication as to how 1/14) which refers to the firearms were carried by the guards or of the barrel is engraved the maker’s name and address and of particular interest there Under the control of Palmer, plans were stored on the coaches but there is some Mr Wm Henry Mortimervi for 58 setts(sic) is also a number and, as so far recorded developed and implemented and there evidence that, at least occasionally, they of arms consisting of a blunderbuss and on surviving examples, the sequence runs was a move towards standardisation, with were carried in the main post box on the pair of pistols with powder horn, bullet from 11 to 382. It might be thought that the ordinary coaches, then in use, being coach. None of the numerous coaching replaced by a regular, approved pattern. Pulled by four horses, this light coach was designed to carry passengers as well as the mail. The guard was given a rather flimsy looking seat at the rear of the coach which was forbidden to all passengers. The guards did, on occasions, sit with the driver and allow passengers to sit in their seat, but if caught doing so they were fined. The driver sat on a bench with enough room for one Fig 11 A detail from an engraving depicting the first trial run of the mail coaches in 1784. passenger to sit beside him. No doubt to The civilian guard is seated next to the driver and holds a blunderbuss but apparently has a increase the income Palmer’s stricture on second one suspended from a cross belt. passengers sitting on top of the coach near Fig 10 Engraving on the barrel of the Mortimer blunderbuss showing the maker’s address and the listed number
44 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 45 Firearms of the Mail Coach Guards Firearms of the Mail Coach Guards
Fig 1 Inscription engraved around the muzzles of pistols and blunderbusses carried by Royal Mail guards and varied after 1837 to ‘Her Majesty’s’ the numbers could be taken to indicate arm of the catch may simply have been Fig 14 The lock of a pistol by Harding & Son dated 1836. Like the Mortimer lock it has a sliding-bar safety-catch and clearly shows the inverted an approximate date for the weapon but vulnerable. Most surviving locks are fitted arrow and crown mark. This is probably one the last batches of Mail Coach pistols as the railway was now gradually replacing the coach runs. there are discrepancies when dates on the with the conventional S shaped cock which is hardly surprising since they must that arms should be clean and never an excited crowd gathered around the locks suggest the low number on the barrel suggesting this was possibly the original have seen hard service, passed from loaded above a week. Hasker also reports departing mail coach and their cheering is out of sequenceix. The manner, style and issuexi. The lock plate is engraved with guard to guard, coach to coach and, that the guards were often very slack in and shouting began to frighten the quality of the engraving of the number the maker’s name and sometimes a little were undoubtedly, often dropped. The their general attitude to their firearms horses. The driver and guard attempted varies and again this is to be expected as incised line decoration and possibly a Post Office accounts include numerous and sometimes just paid somebody to to disperse them, began to panic until they were individually applied. date. payments for repairs to the guards’ take care of them. If the guard forgot his matters got to the point where the guard Fig 9 Two holster pistols by Harding firearms and the purchase of what are, firearms he was fined and Hasker felt so in the hope of deterring them, discharged The stock is of walnut with brass fittings, The pairs of pistols are basically of the simple brass cap. There are no appreciable presumably, replacements for those lost strongly on this matter that at one time his blunderbuss over their heads. This was ramrod pipes, side plate, butt plate and same simple style with walnut stocks, differences in quality, design or detail or broken. he proposed that any guard found to be unfortunate for one of balls apparently trigger guard. Since the weapons were bolted-locks and brass fittings. The 23.5 between those made by Mortimer and without his firearms was to be charged, ricocheted off a building and hit a young essentially for outdoors use, brass, rather cms (9 inch) brass barrel has a bore of the later ones supplied by Harding. 7 July 1792 Mr.H.W.Mortimer for repairing tried and, if found guilty, imprisoned; an man in the neck, killing him. than iron, was chosen as being less prone 15mm and the muzzle is engraved with the firearms & for new firearms for the mail idea that was not followed. Despite all to climatic deterioration. The majority same inscription as on the blunderbuss. The majority of surviving pistols and guards from Jan 1791-July 5th 1792 £ 117- his warnings and notices matters seem Another case of a stray ball is mentioned of surviving ramrods are of wood but The slightly curved butt is fitted with a blunderbusses are in ‘used’ condition 6-0. not to have improved and in September on 26th January 1801 when the as these items were so vulnerable it is 1793 Hasker got permission from the Postmaster General expressed the hope difficult to know if these were the original This is roughly equivalent to £6,500 or Postmaster General to employ a William that a letter has been sent to a Mr. issue. Since the guard’s regulations set £360 a month, a not inconsiderable sum, Broadrib to clean the guards’ firearms and Hamilton representing the conduct of down that at the end of each journey the suggesting that quite a number of repairs he was based in a room at the main office. the guard of the Dover Mail in firing a charge was to be drawn they presumably and replacements were needed, again His salary was paid by a regular deduction blunderbuss, the ball of which entered had a wormx in order to extract the ball. consistent with heavy usage. from the guards’ wages. through one of the windows of his house. However it seems likely that, as this was a The worst case so far traced is that of an time-consuming job, this was a task that Regulations for the guards clearly set From 1788 on there are regular payments unfortunate Mr. Terence McDonagh of the guards probably skipped on many out details for the care of the firearms in the accounts relating to firearms and Ballina, Ireland. On 27th October 1835 as occasions. but there are numerous reports which it is obvious that they were considered the coach was getting ready to depart the suggest that the guards were not as important. Some writers have suggested guard dropped his loaded blunderbuss The lock is of basic flintlock form lacking attentive as they should have been. In that the guards were prone to firing at which fired and a ball killed McDonagh, any extra fittings such as a roller-bearing July 1816 Thomas Hasker circulated a inn signs and targets along the route but a spectator. As may be imagined the on the frizzen. There is a conventional message to the guards in which he says this was specifically forbidden and would case aroused much interest but to the sliding-bolt safety-catch and on surviving that there are too many accidents caused have led to the shooter’s dismissal. In relief of the authorities an expert-witness examples a surprisingly large number by improper loading of the firearms. The fact the blunderbusses were seldom gunmaker reported that the accident was of these are damaged. This has lead to recommended load for the blunderbuss fired in anger and only very occasionally not due to any fault of the blunderbuss. a theory that this was done deliberately is set down as 10-12 pea-sized balls and fired at all and then usually under strange (Post10/95). The unfortunate man’s family to prevent the accidental locking of the the powder charge is set down as the top circumstances. The newspaper Ipswich was paid compensation. action but there is no firm evidence to Fig 5 The lock from the blunderbuss showing the engraved name and sliding bolt safety of the powder hornxii with the pistol taking Journal on 3 January 1800 reported one support this belief and the projecting catch; common features on both blunderbusses and pistols. two-thirds of the charge. He also states such case when, at Neath in South Wales,
46 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 47 Firearms of the Mail Coach Guards Firearms of the Mail Coach Guards
Fig 6 A pair of flintlock overcoat pistols by Harding the locks with the crown and arrow marking this maker appears to have used possibly to Fig 12 Top quality percussion pocket pistol by London gunmaker, Joseph Egg circa 1830 and dating from the period when coaches were identify Royal Mail firearms. Pistols such as these were probably carried by travelling inspectors or maybe by foot-post carriers who, perhaps, being replaced by railways. Like the coaching pistol it has a sliding bolt safety-catch, a chequered butt and a set trigger. would have found the larger pistols carried as on the coaches a little cumbersome. From 1788 until 1816 the firm of Mortimer, name on the lock. Although there is efficient, safer systems. In the early subsequently engraved with the name of a iv In a case heard at the Old Bailey vii Equivalent in 2005 to £315-82p and trading under a variety of slightly differing no direct evidence it is quite possible days the guard travelled with the coach route or even a coach, all of which were in 1778 the traveller, Samuel Sneyd, £10,189.6p names, held the contract for supplying that there may have been a transfer of on the railway and presumably carried individually numbered. On balance this told how he was stopped by two men viii Superintendent of Mails and Mail the mail coach weapons but, for reasons machinery between the firms, or even his weapons as well. In 1838 an Act of seems unlikely but by no means impossible disguised in farmer’s frocks who rode up coaches at £100 ( £5000) per annum unclear, on 3rd October 1816 the that Mortimer continued making them Parliament, The Railways (Conveyance of but there is no way of knowing for certain and stopped his chaise and he says that he and mainly responsible for the everyday Postmaster General was informed that Mr. as a sub-contractor before passing them Mails) Act, marked the official beginning of whether such ‘mail-marked’ examples are had a blunderbuss and a brace of pistols running of the system. Mortimer who has supplied arms for years on to Harding for completion. The only the end and the number of coaches fell genuine or have later embellishments; a with him, He presented the blunderbuss has declined business and called into his obvious difference in detail is that some dramatically. The service survived longer close examination of the engraving may through the window of the coach but was ix For a full discussion on these variations office, to return thanks to your Lordships weapons by Harding are engraved with a in the more remote parts of the kingdom give some guidance. One or two examples shot and wounded by the highwaymen and a listing see Wilkinson for the favors(sic) he has received. crown above an upward-pointing arrow. It and it is recorded that the last mail coach of such weapons are recorded, including who then made off ( t17780916-73). (Post 42/20 letter 229) Obviously a is just possible that he may have used this ran from Thurso, the most northerly town some by Harding and Mortimer with extra x A small, corkscrew-like fitting which replacement supplier was needed and on mark as a semi-official, identifying mark of the mainland, to London on 1st August engraved details. Another group of pistols v The various routes were put out to could be attached to the end of the 5th April 1817 the accounts record the first for Mail Coach weapons. There is a small 1874. The Post Office was still purchasing engraved with General Post Office is tender and then contracted out to various ramrod and bit into the lead ball payment to the new contractor J. Hardingxiii group of flintlock pistols by Harding, other firearms as late as 1842 when there sometimes described as being “coaching coach owners whose firm was to hold the contract, than the regulation issue, which also bear appears to have been a change to the weapons” but these were supplied to the xi The cock was especially liable to certainly, until 1842. Why this maker was this mark and these are overcoat flintlock Board of Ordnance as supplier. Packet Boats by Henry Nock until his death vi The entry is incorrect for the name damage and no doubt replaced chosen is unknown and is perhaps a little pistols that may have been carried by the in 1804 after which they were supplied by should be Harvey Walklate Mortimer but surprising since the firm was based south various Royal Mail inspectors of coaches This article has dealt with firearms that can, James Wilkinson. it may well be that the mistake was the xii No example of an issued Royal Mail of the Thames some distance from the who travelled the country. Another with reasonable certainty, be described as result of a misreading the rather unusual powder horn has yet been identified main office and had no apparent prior possible explanation is that they may have ‘official’ mail coach weapons but it is quite names. This family produced a wide although the records show clearly that association with the Royal Mail. It is has been issued to Foot Post carriers who possible that pistols and blunderbusses of a i See Wilkinson Those Entrusted with range of firearms including some very they were an official issue together with a been suggested that there may have been would have found the usual, larger horse different pattern or make were sometimes Arms high quality duelling pistols and as a firm bullet mould and a turn screw. some common interest in that both he and pistols carried by the coach guard a little used. In the Post Office records there had a long life. Why they were chosen to Mortimer were keen Methodists. cumbersome. are frequent references to the purchase ii equivalent to more than £3000 supply the Mail Coaches is unclear. In the xiii James Harding was based at 4 of ‘firearms’ with no details given and if a 1780s the main shop was in Fleet Street Blackman Street, Borough (South London) There is little, if any, difference in detail In the 1830s the advent of the railways guard lost any of his weapons he had to iii The given value of a blunderbuss which is not particularly close to Postal until 1833 when the firm is recorded as between the weapons produced by signalled the beginning of the end of pay for a new one which may not have varies considerably over the years and Headquarters. It is also unclear as to why James and Son until 1843. Mortimer and those by Harding apart the mail coaches. Route after route was been an issue pattern. These firearms from evidence given in Old Bailey trials the the firm surrendered their contract which from the address on the barrel and the withdrawn and replaced by faster, more could have been replacements which were figures range between 3 shillings (1784) to provided a steady income. thirty shillings (1774) but unfortunately no 48 The London Antique Arms Fair Guide details of the weapons are given. The London Antique Arms Fair Guide 49 Bibliography The Mail Coach Men by Edmond V, 5 is used by kind permission of Bonhams EDRED GWILLIAM Coaching Days of Old England by Burgess, London 1960 6,7,11, 12, are used by kind permission of A London 1966 The Royal Mail by Hyde, W .London, 1889 Thomas del Mar. John Palmer Mail Coach pioneer by. Clear The Royal Mail by Kay | G .London, 1951 ANTIQUE ARMS & ARMOUR E, London 1955 Quicksilver a hundred years of Coaching Image Acknowledgements 1750-1850, by Anderson R Newton Figs. 3,4,8,9,10 are used by kind Abbot 1993 permission of Grampian Transport Royal Mail Coaches by Wilkinson, F. Stroud Museum, Alford Aberdeenshire, which 2007 also displays an original mail coach.
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