Ramrod Antiques

       Dublin Evening Post 20th August 1816 (British Newspaper Archive) Please refer to our older posts with respect to John Murphy, Gunmaker and Gun Barrel Maker. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Samuel Cheetham Gun Barrel Manufacturer 3 Camden Row & Montague Street Dublin  Tyrawly Herald 24th July 1851 (British Newspaper Archive) During the industrial revolution various factory acts were enacted, the first being in 1802 but the regulations relating to moving machinery were not brought into law until 1878. However, these regulations were often flouted or ignored by management and the workforce due to short-cuts in working practices.  David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  English Leader. 21st July 1866. (British Newspaper Archive) David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

                            Pigeon-House Trials Dublin Evening Mail. 30th April 1852. (British Newspaper Archive) We are always interested in material related to the early gunmakers of Ireland. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  Dublin Evening Mail 3rd July 1867. (British Newspaper Archive) David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  Kilkenny Journal and Leinster Commercial and Literary Advertiser 19th May 1860. (British Newspaper Archive) The distance of twenty-one yards appears questionable with a rifle? (Short) David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  Dublin Evening Mail, 26th January 1861. (British Newspaper Archive) David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Morning Advertiser 18th November 1859 (British Newspaper Archive) Captain John Norton's innovation which, although not adopted by The British Board of Ordnance, led to the Minie bullet and others.  David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk  

  The Morning Post 2nd October 1817. (British Newspaper Archive) As with so many surnames they vary in spelling. The reporter here giving the name as Patterson's. This is clearly an error as John Pattison is well recorded throughout the Dublin Trades Directories as Pattison and located in Capel Street. A remarkable feat nonetheless at one hundred yards utilising "elevating sights". At this date the weapon could have been a percussion pistol (converted from flint?) and more importantly possibly rifled? NB:  John Pattison, Gunmaker traded at 112 Capel Street from c.1816-1823. For the period 1821-1835.. John Pattison was contracting work initially from Wm Rigby and then from both the Rigby brothers, William & John. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  Westmeath Guardian 28th April 1836 (British Newspaper Archive) David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  Wexford Independent 28th August 1839. (British Newspaper Archive) David Stroud. ramrorodantiques.co.uk

  Oracle and Daily Advertiser 29th June 1808 (British Newspaper Archive) Note; "Lobby Loungers". Historical Context: The term relates historically to the 18th-century "box-lobby lounger" in British theaters—people who hung out in the entrance lobbies not to watch the play, but to chat and socialize.   David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

  Manchester Courier 25th May 1901 (British Newspaper Archive) David Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk

The Kelly wrecked on West Hoyle Sandbank December 28th 1816   The Kelly ..Bound from Belfast to Liverpool, was a 122 ton Wooden Brig captained by Captain M' Ilwaine, a highly respected seaman. In the severe storm of the 28th December 1816, the Pilot took the ship via the River Dee in the hope of shelter but was driven onto the six mile long West Hoyle Sandbank that had been the location of numerous other losses in the area of Liverpool Bay.  The Pilots body was later recovered but all the crew and passengers perished (15-20). The ships deck was severed from the hull although the hull was finally located.  Also later recovered were 117 firkins of butter; 2 tierces, 19 barrels of provisions and various parts of the vessel including the stern boat, bowsprit, topmast, main boom, gaff, quantity of rigging, cables, blocks and deadeyes. These parts were all subsequently sold in Liverpool. Mr. William Cole (Gunsmith) arrived safely in Liverpool on the Minerva thanks to the error...

  Thomas Way Gunmaker Kilkenny Overcoat Pistol Registered in Cork Borough "CB 571" This pistol being one of a pair. Its pair being registered CB 570. Thomas Way worked for Oliver Wheeler (Gunmaker) possibly in both Dublin and London? Refer to: "A Directory of the Early Irish Gunmakers" . pages; 226, 269 & 291.   David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

 Cornelius Homan Gunmaker Wexford Photography courtesy of the late Paul S. Lederer. The pistol on which this script appears is included in an article written for the American Rifleman in August 1965 by Paul S. Lederer. The pistol is circa 1815 with octagonal barrel (4.3/8"), captive ramrod and semi-rainproof pan with a throathole cut cock. Stepped lock and sliding safety.  The frizzen spring has a roller but terminates at the frizzen screw with no finial. The lockplate is also stamped/engraved "HOMAN". In addition, the pistol was registered under the 1843 Registration Act for Wexford. (W-X 5618). I was lucky enough to correspond with Paul in the late 1990's as he had a fascination for the markings on Irish weapons.  He was one of the finest writers on our subject and added much to the knowledge of many. David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk