Ramrod Antiques

  Joseph Braddell & Son Gunmakers Belfast August 1877. Image courtesy of a family member. Notice of the catastrophic fire that not only took out Braddell's but various other companies in the square incorporating their premises in Castle Place. Explosion of gunpowder in their cartridge department was the cause of the fire. Over £100.000 worth of damage was estimated to have occurred. In today's monetary terms. £3.2 million.  As can be seen the Braddell's did not sit on their laurels and were soon carrying on their trade at 48 & 50 Rosemary Street, Belfast.  Amazingly, this company finally closed their doors to the trade (Mainly fishing tackle) in December 2014 due to a fire!! See: (https://www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judiciaryni/decisions/Joseph%20Braddell%20%26%20Son%20Ltd%20and%20Zurich%20Insurance%20Public%20Liability%20Company_0.pdf)                                      ...

                        One of the most comprehensive collections of Trade Directories in Dublin.                                       The Pearse Library, Pearse Street. Dublin, DO2 HE 37                                                              Trade Directory Information. A task I undertook in 2009 was to read through all of the Dublin trade directories held by The National library of Ireland and the Pearse Library. This objective I completed in June, 2011 having enjoyed numerous visits to my favourite city. Although the Pigot’s Directory of 1824 list’s most tradesmen under a heading of their trade, the earlier directories are listed by name alphabetically and therefore it is...

  Hannah Braddell's notice of intention to continue the business with the assistance of her son William Henry Braddell ( b. 6th September 1844 - d. 15th December 1879.                                                  Image courtesy of a family member. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Image courtesy of a family member.   David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  Mr. Joseph Braddell Gunmaker Belfast Image courtesy of a family member. Refer to: " A Directory of the Early Irish Gunmakers" pages No. 14 through to 25. David Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

  Byrne Silver Mounted Holster Pistol.  Silver Marks for 1769. Dublin            The forward screw silver scroll termination is incomplete. (broken) A quality feature to the rear of the trigger Although described as vacant there is a very very faint crest to this escutcheon (Unreadable) This pistol bought from the late David S. Weaver Collection, 24th September 2025 auctioned by Olympia Auctions, London.  Interestingly, this holster pistol was in all probability made by C. Byrne of Dublin and later converted c.1820 by Mark Byrne also of Dublin. (Authors speculation)!! The conversion to percussion is of the highest quality for this period whereby the percussion breech block has been fully fitted to meet the contours of the bevelled sideplate following the removal of the pan and frizzen assembly. The trigger is intricately pierced to the rear; this being a quality 18th century feature. The cast and chased silver mounts are of classic design and...

        Sarah Cole being Joseph Braddell's (Gunmaker) mother. William Cole being Joseph Braddell's stepfather.                                          Refer to pages 14 to 25 of    " A Directory of the Early Irish Gunmakers "                                            Above notice courtesy of a family member. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Saunders Newsletter 1793 Also refer to our older posts on Blog 1 dated 29/6/2018. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

 An Apprentice in Galway One of the first tradesmen who obtained a charter to practise his trade in Galway city was a goldsmith in the year 1500. At this time Galway city was considered to be an established commercial centre and enjoyed the privilege of having attractive architecture. Many guilds were already in place and included such trades as Blacksmiths, Butchers, Tanners, Tallow Chandlers, Wheelwrights, Coachmakers, Sadlers and Harness Makers to mention but a few. A master tradesmen at this time in Galway city was expected to maintain high levels of hygiene and obliged to " shave his top lip" once per week!! Moreover, he was expected to speak good English; a skill not too familiar with the indigenous population at this juncture. A young man wishing to elevate his position in life would take on an apprenticeship.... at this time a seven-year venture. In signing his indentures , he would be obliged to comply with all of his masters wishes viz; to not fraternise with the fe...

  Birmingham Arms Fair 7th December 2025. A big thank you, as ever, for all those that came to our table and made for a very enjoyable day.                   Yours truly photographed with a pair of silver mounted holster pistols by Le Maire of London c. 1725. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  Wm & Jn Rigby Gunmakers 24 Suffolk Street Dublin           We are always interested buying original pistol cases especially those of Irish provenance. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk