Rifle
James Woodward & Sons
Category
Arms and armour
Date
Unknown
Materials
Metal and wood
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset
NT 1250522
Summary
Single barrelled breech-loading rifle by James Woodward & Sons, London, c1884.
Full description
Single barrelled breech-loading rifle by James Woodward & Sons, London, c1884. James Woodward & Sons, gunmakers of St James’s Street, London traded from 1874 until 1948 when the firm was succeeded by J. Purdey & Sons. The serial numver 3856 was used during the period 1880-85. Octagonal steel rifled barrel, the top signed JAMES WOODWARD & SONS, St James’s St., London and stamped on the underside with Birmingham proof marks, together with the serial number 3856. Adjustable rear sight and blade form fore-sight. The barrel is attached to a steel receiver which also forms the breech-block, and hinges downward for loading. The barrel is released by rotating a curved underlever located in front of the trigger guard. A cartridge ejector is incorporated into the mechanism. The firing pin is missing. Calibre .380 inch. The walnut stock is formed in 2 pieces; the butt formed with chequered pistol grip, and has no buttplate; the separate detachable forestock is chequered and has a horn end cap. It is held to the barrel by 1 barrel slide with silver escutcheon plates. Plain steel loop-form trigger guard with long rear tang. Single curved trigger. Back-action hammer lock, signed JAMES WOODWARD & SONS.
Marks and inscriptions
Barrel top: James Woodward & Sons, St. James St,. London: Lock: James Woodward & Sons:
Makers and roles
James Woodward & Sons, gunsmith
References
Blackmore, 1986: Howard Blackmore: A Dictionary of London Gunmakers 1350-1850