Wilkinson & Son Shotguns

Published on May 2, 2019
Duration: 9:20

This video provides an in-depth look at a Wilkinson & Son shotgun from London, highlighting its craftsmanship and historical significance. The presenter details the gun's features, including its walnut stock, Damascus barrels, and side-lock action, while also delving into the history of the Wilkinson company and its founder, James Wilkinson. The video also explores the fascinating life of the gun's first owner, Brigadier General Frederick Beaumgart Elmsley, a distinguished Royal Artillery officer involved in significant military campaigns.

Quick Summary

This Wilkinson & Son London shotgun features a walnut stock with fiddle-back grain, Damascus barrels, double triggers, and a seven-pin side lock action. Its first owner was Brigadier General Frederick Beaumgart Elmsley, a Royal Artillery officer known for his service at the Battle of Omdurman, which saw the early use of high-explosive shells.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Wilkinson & Son
  2. 01:13Shotgun Features Overview
  3. 01:43Stock and Checkering Details
  4. 01:49Action and Safety Features
  5. 02:13Barrel Description
  6. 02:28Company History: Henry Knock & James Wilkinson
  7. 03:10Henry Wilkinson's Innovations
  8. 04:17Sword Making at Wilkinson's
  9. 05:40Owner: Brigadier General Elmsley
  10. 06:33Elmsley's Military Career: Omdurman
  11. 07:09High Explosive Shells in Warfare
  12. 08:18Elmsley's Later Career and Legacy
  13. 08:48Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Wilkinson & Son shotgun?

This Wilkinson & Son shotgun boasts a beautiful walnut stock with fiddle-back grain and tight checkering, a horn heel plate, double triggers, a seven-pin side lock action, and high-quality Damascus barrels with a browned finish. It also features a doll's head style top rib and a semi-assisted opening mechanism.

Who was Brigadier General Frederick Beaumgart Elmsley?

Brigadier General Frederick Beaumgart Elmsley was the first owner of this shotgun. He was a distinguished Royal Artillery officer who served in the Afghan War and commanded troops during the Battle of Omdurman, a significant event in 1898 that saw the first use of high-explosive shells.

What is the historical significance of the Wilkinson & Son company?

Wilkinson & Son, also known as Wilkinson's Sword, was a renowned London gunmaker and sword manufacturer. Founded by James Wilkinson, the company, particularly under his son Henry, was known for innovation in firearms and significant advancements in sword design, serving royalty and military forces globally.

What was notable about the high-explosive shells used at the Battle of Omdurman?

The high-explosive shells used at the Battle of Omdurman in 1898 weighed 50 pounds, were accurate over 4000 yards, and contained Lydite. This marked an early use of such powerful ordnance, a precursor to modern fragmentation shells, and significantly impacted the battle's outcome.

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