Ramrod Antiques

  This article first appeared in the catalogue for the 35th Bisley Show on Sunday 31st March 2013. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  Dublin Trades Directory  1919/1920. Gunmakers and Gunpowder Merchants. Following the end of the First World War the gun trade in Dublin was reduced to the above level. In three years time (1923) Wm Kavanagh & Son would finally close its doors to trade and one of the most esteemed houses in the trade would be lost. Many of the gunmakers and loaders were taken into the employ of Larry "Old Pops" Keegan in c.1924/1925.  Refer to: "A Directory of the Early Irish Gunmakers". David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

                  A Trade Directory of Dublin detailing                           gunmakers trading in 1909/1910-                    and Gunpowder Merchants The gun trade in Ireland was literally in its death throes at this time (1910).  Watts Brothers picked-up the remnants and successfully traded from Ormond Quay until 1999. Refer to: A Directory of the Early Irish Gunmakers by David Stroud. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk                                            

  Wm & Jn Rigby Gun & Pistol Manufactory 19 Suffolk Street Dublin              We buy original gunmakers trade labels/cards especially those of Irish gunmakers. Best Prices Paid David Stroud.ramrodantiques.co.uk David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

    Fabulous finger print acid etched barrel clearly showing the radially wrapped iron. This finish perfected by John Rigby Snr., c.1817. 13 Bore single barrel of 29 inch showing serial number 8064.  However, the Rigby register records this as a double gun in error. Another noteworthy fact about this gun produced in 1837 is that it was registered under the  1843 Registration Act and branded in the county of Galway (G 2162). Our sincere thanks to the owner for photography and permission to publish. For additional information reference to this gun please refer to: Great Irish Gunmakers Messrs Rigby by D.H.L Back. 1992. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  James Calderwood Gun Manufacturer 22 Duke Street Dublin                                       Trade Card for 22 Duke Street, Dublin (1845-1858) The lockplates engraved "Duke St." highlighting the fact that James Calderwood had no business connection with Thomas Calderwood of North Earl Street, Dublin. A Pair of Magazine Stocked Percussion Triple Bent Pistols by James Calderwood. Magazine stocks with typical Irish scroll and leaf engraving. (Private Collection) Refer to: "A Directory of the Early Irish Gunmakers" David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  Joseph Braddell & Son Ltd.. Arthur Square Belfast A tackle wallet dated 1959.  Braddell's traded at the above address 1915-1975. Joseph Braddell and Son transferred into a Limited Company on May 24th 1950. Twenty-five years later the company traded in North Street, Belfast until a fire at these premises  halted trading in 2014. We believe the business continued online and offering goods by catalogue. However, the company appears to have been dissolved in February 2025.   The largest supplier of guns to this company were "The Midland Gun Company" although Braddell & Son were manufacturing "Bull Dog" revolvers in their own right for a large part of their trading until prices from Birmingham thwarted this trade. The premises at North Street are now being used as an art studio. Please refer to our older posts with respect to this iconic Irish company. We are always interested in any material related to this company and other Irish gunmakers/tackle makers. ...

  This article first appeared in the Bisley Antique & Classic Arms Fair Catalogue of March 2011. This fair being one of the best shows run in the country by Mr. Cliff Fuller. Alas, this fair is no longer on the calendar and is a great loss to the Arms & Armour enthusiast. The 01723 376070 telephone number above is now defunct but I am available on the above mobile number and email address. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  An advertisement from 1784 detailing the availability of Fashionable Walking Canes and Patent Sword Canes  via No.1 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin. near Essex Bridge. These items supplied by Woolf's Real Cane and Stick Manufactory of London. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  "Peace with Honour". We are always interested in material related to duelling with pistols or...in this instance. revolvers!! David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  Waterford Mail 1828. Persons bound over to keep the peace in certain counties merely dodged the law by choosing to duel in another county. David Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

  Dr. Peter Hennis (Deceased). 1802-1833 The Duel on Exeter Racecourse 1833 The Aftermath. An "Irish Style" Funeral. Refer to our older post dated 27/6/2026. Our appreciation to:  medicalgentlemen.co.uk written by Peter Selley David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  John Martin Gunmaker Waterford The Classic Irish Derringer. c.1825  Most collectors would call this a conversion, yet many percussion pistols were built from flintlock parts. The stock having been cut to take a flintlock cock. See the relief behind the hammer. The lockplate is undoubtedly a flint style and clearly showing  the fence and trough for the pan in which the nipple bolster has been created to seat in the trough. The fitting of a nipple bolster was a vast improvement on the crude "drum and nipple" conversions and were more pleasing to the eye.  The later and more refined conversions involved making a new integral breech plug & bolster assembly and these were screwed into the barrel. 7 inches overall in length with a 3" barrel.  Reverse side showing single screw and cup. Waterford to barrel flat and bead front sight. Our thanks to Steve Collward for photography and permission to publish. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk