Author Topic: Interesting blunderbus/coach gun  (Read 1336 times)

Offline Lucky R A

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Interesting blunderbus/coach gun
« on: October 12, 2019, 05:38:27 PM »
           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. 













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Offline Robert Wolfe

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Re: Interesting blunderbus/coach gun
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2019, 06:15:01 PM »
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.)
Robert Wolfe
Northern Indiana

Offline Mike Brooks

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Re: Interesting blunderbus/coach gun
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2019, 06:18:08 PM »
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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WESTbury

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Re: Interesting blunderbus/coach gun
« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2019, 06:27:12 PM »
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."
« Last Edit: October 12, 2019, 06:36:56 PM by WESTbury »

Offline James Rogers

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Re: Interesting blunderbus/coach gun
« Reply #4 on: October 12, 2019, 07:01:23 PM »
From London Gunmaker's Supplement by Bailey






WESTbury

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Re: Interesting blunderbus/coach gun
« Reply #5 on: October 12, 2019, 07:15:15 PM »
Great information James!