British Gunmaking

GUNS have been made in Britain since the 14th century—their first appearance with the English Army being at the Battle of Crecy in 1346. The London trade grew to meet the demands of the Crown and its procurement offices in the Tower of London. For centuries the blacksmiths, armourers and founders’ guilds were responsible for making all the parts required.

Henry VIII invested in technical knowledge, bringing in experts from Europe to develop his military capabilities. Cannon production in the City of London in the 16th century was advanced as anywhere in the world. Small arms production was less well organised, and during the reign of Elizabeth I moves were made to introduce a guild of gunmakers to take responsibility for the craft. Production was centred on London, but Bristol and Wales also had gunmaking. It was not until after some hardlearned lessons in Elizabeth’s wars with Spain that the position of Her Majesty’s Master Gunmaker was instituted to coordinate contracts between the Ordnance Office and the gunmakers. The challenge was accuracy in manufacture. The bores of the guns did not meet a common standard and each soldier was issued with a mould and lead to make bullets that would fit his gun.

Interoperability is a key operational and logistic factor in military operations to this day. Charles I sought to solve some of the issues of quality and standardisation by establishing the Gunmakers’ Company of the City of London in 1637. The Company was to “be the better enabled at all times to furnish us and our Subjects with good and serviceable Handguns for Military Service and otherwise”. The first proof house was established next to the Tower.

As the Empire grew and wars in Europe continued, so did the need for guns. The strong manufac- turing base of Birmingham developed its own mass production of guns. Between 1804 and 1817 a total of 1,827,889 muskets, rifles, carbines, and pistols were manufactured for the Government alone. In 1813, by Act of Parliament, the Birmingham Proof House was established to support this huge trade.

At about this time there appeared a key personality in the Gunmaking Trade: Joseph Manton (1766- 1835). While being a notable innovator in the field of rifled cannon and other military applications, his key contribution was the improvements in the quality of sporting firearms. Through his experimentation with fulminates and artillery ammunition, he helped set the way for both percussion and breech-loading advances. Amongst his team were the young James Purdey, William Greener, Thomas Boss, Charles Lancaster and William Moore—all of whom were to go on to form their own companies and set Britain on course to become the makers of “the best sporting firearms in the world”.

Provincial gunmakers

Of course, the trade didn’t just rest in London and Birmingham. Provincial makers across the country were serving their local clients. While much of the production was utilitarian, the customer demanding a ‘best’ gun (the best quality a maker could make) would be well rewarded. It is no surprise that so many of these guns are still being used in the field today. If you want a gun that represents the best quality of gunmaking skills, an old provincial gun is likely to be a valuable investment. There is a reason why we still see so many old boxlocks on the shooting line: because they were made so well.

With the huge range of imports available today, it is easy to forget the global reputation we still enjoy. On my recent USA trip I saw old British guns realising high prices at an antique arms fair and a number of notable British gunmakers taking orders for new guns at the Safari Club International convention.

Without innovation we would never have got to where we are today. Research and development in firearms and ammunition have provided military advantage for generations. The UK continues to be on the forward edge of such weapons development and some of our manufacturing companies supply our allies with the most advanced military and law enforcement capabilities.

But for the moment I want to concentrate on the traditional art of gunmaking. The skills required to make a best gun or rifle are never the work of just one person. There are crafts dedicated to each and every aspect of production. A gun is made by a team—actioners, stockers, barrel makers, engravers, finishers, regulators. Apprenticeships last for at least four years in each of these areas. Master craftsmen with a lifetime of experience frequently report they are still learning.

Gunmaking houses like Purdey, Holland & Holland, Rigby, Boss, Westley Richards and Watson Brothers have maintained their skills by regularly investing in apprenticeship programmes. Others have also sought to bring on new craftsmen in the trade to learn from the more senior hands. Mayfair Engineering, T.R. White and Roy Martin to name a few, have apprentices keeping the skills alive.

The Gunmakers’ Company Charitable Trust was formed in 2003 with the principle aim of supporting the craft skills associated with traditional gunmaking. They provide bursaries of £5,000 per annum for four years to support companies who wish to take on apprentices. There are currently six bursary holders but the Trust is seeking to support more.

Master craftsmen

The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers also provides certification to apprentices when they reach the end of their indentures. The Panel of master craftsmen and gunmaking company directors cover the range of skill sets that comprise the wider art of gunmaking. The award of certificates recognises their achievements and celebrates the future of the craft. There is work ongoing to make this a nationally recognised qualification.

Demand for British hand-built guns is high: sportsmen around the globe want the best. To meet this need we need to invest in the craft and nurture a new generation of gunmakers. There are jobs waiting now for the right people—whether as new apprentices or skilled craftsmen. If you want to know more—or know somebody who might benefit—please look at the GTA and Gunmakers’ Trust websites to find out more. GTN