The Birmingham Proof House Museum
Banbury Street, Birmingham, , B5 5RH
Category:
The growth of gun making in London led to the Royal Charter of the London Company of Gunmaker’s introduction of “proof” into England.
Similarly in Birmingham, with a population at this time of only 4000, there was a flourishing trade of guns.
By 1767 Birmingham had 35 gun and pistol makers, 8 gun barrel makers and filers, 5 gun barrel polishers and finishers, 11 gunlock makers, forgers and finishers, and 3 gun swivel and stock makers, supplying all of the kingdom.
The reputable gunmakers of Birmingham had set themselves a high standard for material and workmanship and were eager to submit their products to an independent, compulsory proof test as available to the London Trade.
Almost 200 years later the purpose of the Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House remains essentially unchanged and is able to offer many additional services to that of proof.
The visit will incorporate a tour inside of this historical & unique institute and guests shown the store of historical documents and artefacts of interest.
Members will be asked to arrive at the Proof House to register between 9:30am and 9:45am ready for the tour to begin at 10am.
We have been advised that the tour will continue until around 13:30pm.
Cost: £20pp (BASC members only)
To book your place please call 01283 810 910 or email central@basc.org.uk
