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Official trial of small-bore rifles on Plumstead Marshes: the rifle-rest, 1862. Creator: Unknown
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Official trial of small-bore rifles on Plumstead Marshes: the rifle-rest, 1862. Creator: Unknown
Official trial of small-bore rifles on Plumstead Marshes: the rifle-rest, 1862. At the Royal Laboratory practice-range of Woolwich Arsenal number of gunmakers of celebrity were present, either in person or by a representative - namely, Mr. Joseph Whitworth, Mr. John Rigby, Mr. Charles Ingram, Mr. Edward Burdett for Mr. Thomas Turner, Mr. William Terry, and Mr. Alexander Henry...[They] went through a course of firing, commencing over a range of 500 yards, for the purpose of enabling the National Rifle Association to determine the rifle with which the second stage of the Queen's prize shall be competed for on Wimbledon Common this year...The firing was exceedingly good, notwithstanding the severity of the north-easterly wind, which blew across the range and seriously damaged the effect...A delay of about two hours however occurred in the discussion of various matters connected with the mode of firing, and it was complained by other competitors that Mr. Whitworth was acting in contravention to the regulations by making the slightest alteration in the elevation of his rest and it was also alleged that Mr. Whitworth had been allowed more trial shots than other competitors...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862
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Media ID 35121351
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Armaments Industry Arsenal Association Ballistics Competition Firearm Firearms Firing Gun Manufacturers Gunmaker Henry Alexander Joseph Whitworth National Rifle Association Research Research And Development Rifle Rifles Shooting Sporting Event Target Practice Telescope Telescopes Testing Top Hat Top Hats Tophat Weapons Industry Woolwich Arsenal Woolwich Greenwich London England Gunmakers Plumstead Marshes
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a pivotal moment in the history of small-bore rifles, taken during the Official Trial on Plumstead Marshes in 1862. The image showcases the rifle-rest, a crucial component in the accuracy and success of these firearms. The trial, held at the Royal Laboratory practice-range of Woolwich Arsenal, attracted several renowned gunmakers, including Joseph Whitworth, John Rigby, Charles Ingram, Edward Burdett for Thomas Turner, William Terry, and Alexander Henry. The purpose of the trial was to enable the National Rifle Association to determine the rifle that would be used for the second stage of the Queen's prize competition on Wimbledon Common that year. The presence of these esteemed gunmakers ensured that only the best and most advanced rifles were put to the test. Despite the challenging north-easterly wind that blew across the range, the firing was exceptional, with all participants delivering impressive shots. However, a significant delay of approximately two hours occurred due to discussions regarding the mode of firing and allegations that Mr. Whitworth was making slight alterations to his rifle-rest and receiving more trial shots than other competitors. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous process of testing and refining small-bore rifles during this era, with the gunmakers striving for perfection to secure the coveted Queen's prize. The intricacies of the rifle-rest, combined with the historical context of the trial, make this image a significant addition to any collection focused on firearms history.
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