Tuesday 23rd April 2013
Weapons expert Peter Shorten has contacted dannyhowell.net with some very interesting information relating to a Warminster firearm.
Peter writes:
“Dear Mr. Howell,
I have recently read an entry of 2007 in your blog, containing a reference to the death of J. B. Haden, who was an ironmonger and a gunmaker and a member of the Warminster Volunteer Rifles. Someone concerned with the history of the Haden family wondered if there were any of his guns “still around.”
There is at least one, made for Ensign Jno. Scott, of the Volunteer Rifles, now owned by the Salisbury and South Wilts Museum and currently on extended loan to the Rifles (Berks and Wilts), Wardrobe Museum, Salisbury, and due to be put on display by the end of April this year (2013). Little provenance is available – apparently it was obtained, in exchange for something unrecorded, from a pub in (I think) Lymington some years ago. It is in fair condition, but is clearly a quality piece.
The Rifles Museum has a group photograph, almost certainly including Ensign Scott, of the members of the Warminster Volunteer Rifles, but no caption is attached.
Application (if any) to view the gun should be made to the Assistant Curator, at the above Museum, 58 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EX.”
Danny Howell replies:
Thank you Peter for informing me and the readers of dannyhowell.net of the current location of this gun made by John Burnet Haden, of Warminster, and for the associated connection with Ensign Scott. This is sure to arouse the curiosity of history devotees in Warminster. I, for one, will endeavour to view this firearm in the near future. Once again, many thanks.