============== *2 - 1828: First Guns TEXT ===================

*2 1828: First Guns Made at 12 Middle Row, Holborn (Holborn Bars), London

Reilly’s first noted registration for a hunting license is in 1823.*2a This was no small thing. “Gentlemen” who were involved with guns were expected to fund a license. Lang, for instance, highlighted his having held such a license for 30 years (from 1827) in a pamphlet he wrote in January 1857 promoting center-break guns.*2b Reilly's license may have predated Lang's by 4 years.

Sometime around summer 1828 he numbered his first Reilly built gun which presumably was 01. Reilly's first advertisement specifically identifying himself as a "gunmaker" is April 1831;*2c (The January 1831 report on the burglary at Reilly’s jewelry shop also states he was a “gun maker” *2d. However, ads from summer 1828 make it clear he was already making guns for clients - and urging customers not to spend money for a "name."*2e The serial numbered guns included pistols, rifles and shotguns.

His guns during this period used the address "Holborn Bars." 12 Middle Row was at "Holborn Bars". "Bars" shows the area was one of the old tax stations for entering London.

Edit: A 22 August 1829 advertisement in the London "Morning Herald" does identify "Reily" (sic) at Middle-Row, Holborn Bars", as a "Gun Maker."*2f

Following are the earliest known Reilly serial numbered guns:

-- SN 88 - a pair of .50 cal. percussion dueling pistols with J.C. Reilly, Holborn Bars, London engraved on the hexagonal Damascus barrels; These are the oldest extant Reillys and are dated circa early 1829. *2g

-- SN 162 - the earliest extant Reilly-made long gun; It is a single barrel 6 bore muzzle loader wild-fowler, J.C. Reilly, Holborn Bars, London engraved on the barrel, also made circa 1829. *2h

-- SN 176 - also a pair of .50 cal. percussion pistols, almost identical to SN 88 above with J.C. Reilly, Holborn Bars, London; These are the third oldest existing serial numbered J.C. Reilly guns and are also dated late 1829. *2i

-- SN 254 - Several early 21st century articles including an article by Terry Weiland mention a J.C. Reilly percussion pistol SN 254 as the (then) lowest known Reilly SN. It would date to 1829 per this chart. However, no photos or additional information can be found about this "phantom" legendary pistol. (The "press" unfortunately tends to copy and repeat with no verification of the initial veracity.)

============== *2 - 1828: First Guns END TEXT ===================

Last edited by Argo44; 06/04/22 10:48 PM.
Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch