Raimey, I don't know. I've mentioned a couple of times a Monsieur Poirat. In Sep 1871 he offered to sell to the new French Republic, on behalf of Reilly, 6000 Chassepot rifles (then in Birmingham - I had the actual Birmingham reference on the existence of these rifles but have misplaced it). The French Parliament asked too many questions, dithered about the commission, and the sale fell through. Reilly had already been prosecuted in Fall 1870 for sending shells to his rue Scribe address, violating Brit neutrality - he was probably pulling a fast one but didn't want deep-diving questions. (See the below article)

The next time I'm in Paris, I will try to track down tax records on the Reilly addresses and try to identify Poirat. The French graves registry is very complete - but using it is trying.


Last edited by Argo44; 09/11/20 10:15 PM.
Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch