AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: Lucky R A on October 12, 2019, 05:38:27 PM
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The below pictured coach gun came into my shop for a repair. It has been passed down through the family since it was built. As an ex LEO, I found the inscription on the brass barrel quite interesting. The inscription reads, "Presented by the London and Birmingham Railway Company to Charles Churchill, Police Office as a memorial of his service during the riot at Kilsby 24th. April 1837." I was a bit surprised to see that percussion ignition was not used at this date. I am hoping that Feltwad may be able to fill in some details about the gun, the man, and the riot.
(https://i.ibb.co/SrZqJbf/P1150212.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nCKhR9P)
(https://i.ibb.co/JCQ2nJD/P1150213.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DLpk420)
(https://i.ibb.co/Bs2QnQn/P1150214.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZTzF2F2)
(https://i.ibb.co/HFbP3S8/P1150215.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NVJNbvB)
(https://i.ibb.co/xYy5hhF/P1150218.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bFxd11b)
(https://i.ibb.co/9qmYSG8/P1150220.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mHrzgSD)
(https://i.ibb.co/FYsHtS9/P1150223.jpg) (https://ibb.co/T0KW5VZ)
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Found this regarding the riots:
“On the 24th April 1837, there was rioting at Kilsby by the navvies engaged on the railway works. They released prisoners from the local lock-up, and military were dispatched from Weedon to quell the disturbance.”
(Journal of the Northamptonshire Natural history Society & Field Club. Volume XII. 1905.)
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The gun is earlier than 1837. I'd guess 1810-20. Probably something laying around the copper station and they figured it would make a nice reward for a job well done.
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William Parker of London, is listed as supplying "COMPLETE ARMS 1804-1818" and "ROUGH STOCKER & SET UP 1820-1821, 1824-1827, and 1836-1839" in De Witt Bailey's British Board of Ordnance Small Arms Contractors.
Forgot to add the following from De Witt's book on page 58;
Parker supplied: "Infantry rifles and pistols in 1821, Pattern 1823 Infantry Rifles only 1824-1827, 16" Cavalry Carbines for the Queen of Spain in 1835-6, carbines, pistols, infantry rifles for the Shah of Persia, and Irish-service carbines 1835-9."
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From London Gunmaker's Supplement by Bailey
(https://i.ibb.co/pxP2jCj/20191012-115922.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9NvnHRH)
(https://i.ibb.co/8sGJ3v9/20191012-115900.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MSKbTw7)
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Great information James!