The London School of Gunmaking began with the establishment of John Manton at 6 Dover, St. in 1781. His brother, Joseph, joined him as an apprentice, and then branched out on his own in 1789. The company of London gunsmiths expanded to include the now well-known makers Purdey, Nock, Mortimer, Lang, Egg and others, and these formed arguably the finest assemblage of gunmakers the world has ever known.
I am particularly interested in the late flintlock period of that School, from about 1805 - 1830. In my opinion, this was the peak of the craft period of gunmaking, with arms being produced of incomparable form and function. Although modern reproductions are often very well made, there is an indefinable feeling I get from handling and shooting a gun which was made over two hundred years ago with little more than a forge, hammer and file. This web page is dedicated to those superb workmen and their products.
A
fine
double-barreled percussion Howdah pistol (or perhaps a carraige
pistol) by James Purdey.
A brace of fine boot
(or belt) pistols by Benjamin Cogswell.
The Muff Pistol
British Gunmakers Volume One -
London by Nigel Brown
This excellent reference gives detailed histories of the London school
of gunmaking from John Manton to the present. All of the major
gunmakers, their biographies, places of work and where available,
records of the serial numbers of their guns. This book is both a
fascinating read and an invaluable reference.
Instructions to Young Sportsmen
by Ltc. P. Hawker
This is the one book every muzzleloading enthusiast must own. First
published in 1814 and reprinted in many different editions until the
present, this book details the transition from the late flint period
through the development of percussion (detonating) guns. Filled with
descriptions and anecdotes of life in the early 18th century, it
describes everything from making and maintaining guns to hunting and
cooking game - not to mention how to cure your sick dog.
The Mantons: Gunmakers by W. Keith Neil and D.H.L. Back
Published in 1967, this is the definitive book about the Manton
brothers, showing details of the various types of guns they made,
patents, serial number lists and sales records. Anyone seriously
interested in Manton guns needs to have this book. A second volume, The Manton Supplement,
published in 1978, gives additional information which surfaced since
their first publication.
The Mortimer Gunmakers 1753-1932
by H. Lee Munson
A treasure trove of information on the Mortimers. There are copious
photographs and illustrations, although I wish they were of higher
quality. Another indespensible reference for anyone interested in the
London school of gunmaking.
Pistols, History, Technology,
and Models from 1550 to 1913 by Adriano Sala
A beautifully illustrated book with a surprising amount of information
about transitional and unusual pistols. There are also excellent
drawings describing the various lock mechanisms.
Purdey, The Definitive History
by Donald Dallas
Gorgeously illustrated and detailed book covering the Purdey "Gun and
Rifle Makers" from 1816 to the present. The photographs alone are worth
the price of this book.
The Scottish Pistol Its History,
Manufacture and Design by Martin Kelvin
A fascinating history of arms and society in Scotland. Very well
illustrated, complete with makers names and many historical references.
It is worthwhile owning this book even if you don't have a Scottish
pistol, and it is essential if you plan to buy one.
 |