Kerry,

This is evidence that for a long time gun maker's apprentices in this country were indentured servants. Certainly in the 1700's and early 1800's. Even in the late 1800's and early 1900's a journeyman was not making a great deal of money.

http://books.google.com/books?id=V7WtToEDvYsC&pg=PA16&dq=apprentiship+gunsmith#PPA16,M1

http://books.google.com/books?id=WadJAAA...cad=0#PPA207,M1

It is interesting that the practice was so wide spread in Britian as to even include solicitors.

Apparently the apprenticeship in England had been 7 years at one point:
Quote:
The King and Company Of Gunmakers. 1733-1734
J Mandamus.

Mandamus to admit J.S. to his Freedom of the Gunmakers Company, having been educated in the Art and Mystery of a Gunsmith, and served seven Years Apprenticeship. The Company returned they were incorporated by Charter, by Char. 1, and set out the Charter, that no Person was intitled to his Freedom but those of the Trade residing in London, or within ten Miles thereof at Time of the Incorporation, and such of their Children as should serve seven Years Apprenticeship to that Art and Mystery ; and as to other Persons it left the Company at large to admit or reject as they thought proper and convenient, and they returned that they did not think proper to admit him. Objection was taken to the Return, that it did not answer the Suggestion, as to his being educated in the Art, etc., and serving seven Years Apprenticeship.


Pete

http://www.damascus-barrels.com/Movie.html