Object number
73/1
Description
Single barrel shotgun made of dark wood with steel barrel and fittings. The trigger shield has a flower design. Inscribed KETLAND & CO, London.
A single barrel shotgun made of dark wood with steel barrel and fittings. The main part of the barrel unscrews. The stock is not solid but consists of a steel frame which folds back at the release of a catch. There is a fish scale pattern on the butt and the steel part has decorative scroll work. The trigger shield has a flower design. It is inscribed KETLAND & CO, London.
Label Text
Shotgun. Manufactured by Ketland and Co. before 1812, this shotgun was likely used by a poacher to defend himself from landowners and authorities while hunting. The sophisticated metalwork of the object suggests a high value. It is possible that it could have been provided to the poacher by a buyer in order to ensure their success, as this was a fairly common practice.
Archival history
MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Shot gun, poachers // Hunting shooting // Exchanged Dr R. J. Rabett // Description: A single barrel shotgun made of dark wood with steel barrel and fittings. The main part of the barrel unscrews. The stock is not solid but consists of a steel frame which folds back at the release of a catch. There is a fish scale pattern on the butt and the steel part has decorative scroll work. The trigger shield has a flower design. // Associated information- Inscription: Makers name KETLAND & CO, London. In front of hammer. P surmounted by crown with TK underneath on barrel. This is a Birmingham private proof mark and is pre 1812. The folding stock is not original.’
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