Two pics to make a point ..
They both have a knife - One threatens deadly violence, while the other poses NO risk.
- in fact the womans knife is LARGER and - she likely has several more knives close at hand.
IT IS NOT THE TOOLS .. GUN or KNIFE that is the PROBLEM. It is the unrestrained CRIMINAL
Here's two more pics ..
OR
Point made? - It's
NOT the guns that are the issue.
____________
Here's two old Pocket Pistols that, - on the face of it, are completely unconnected:
- A Flintlock from HARCOURT of IPSWICH .. very late 18th or early 19th Century - and
A Percussion Pistol engraved H NOCK of LONDON dating later around 1830-1840.
Both antique carry guns are 'Turn-off Barrel' Breech Loading, Boxlock Pistols, - both 'smoothbore' and both have a sliding 'SAFETY' behind their Cock & Hammer, - but the Flinter's barrel is .475 inch bore and 13/4 inch long while the Cap-Gun is .45" Bore and 3inchs.
Both are from fine English Gun Makers of high repute, supplying arms to their Monarchs - but, when the flinter arrived I noticed that the join-interface of the ACTION to STOCK was similar on each, - as also were the shapes of the Triggers and Trigger Guards.
Rolling them over onto their backs and ..
and there's that screw (
centre) holding the action side-plate, intersected by the engraved line and each gun has the same three decorative 'slashes' cut into both sides of the
tang ..
And then there are the BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS stamped into the underside of both powder chambers and barrels.
Seriously - I don't think
either of these pistols was actually made by the
named Gunsmiths engraved on the locks.
I reckon these common self-defence tools were routinely once made for The Trade by the outworkers of the Birminghams' industrial complex, where a well practiced group of contracters each conducted his speciality craft .. forging, filing, drilling, boring, polishing, woodworking, fitting, assembling, engraving, etc.
This contracting-out must have been standard practice for retail Gunshops then, as now. This loads their shelves with standard sales product while retaining the skills of their Master Craftsmen selectively to service the wealthy elites.
They had their names engraved onto the locks and no doubt would stand-by their guarantees - but this ordinary stuff for ordinary users was the 'stock in trade' - much like modern 'Swiss Made' watches assembled using Chinese made parts. - Naturally their respective 'topline' products were built almost entirely in house.
Another common feature here is that both valued collectables are in rough condition having aquired corrosion and damage over the last two hundred years they've been used and abused, in well travelled lives.
__________
I was chatting to a neighbor - a retired Headmaster, nice guy, licensed,- telling me he was going off Duck Shooting at the week-end ..
- He did not know that our police are NOT required to have GUN LICENCES as he is ..
How would I fix our gun laws? - Well I'd make all Muzzleloading blackpowder pistols and long arms 'off licence' to all fit and proper citizens. - I'd require all owners of cartridge guns to be properly trained in SAFETY and checked and certified as Fit & Proper before issuance of a LIFETIME LICENCE updated with new photo ID for a nominal fee perhaps every 10 years by an INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY. - Collectors, Pistols and High Capacity magazines requiring Endorsed Licences and Registration. - Any Violent Crime history or Mental Health problems disqualifying from licence issue unless appealed and exempted.
Recognition from police that Firearms Licence holders ARE Fit and Proper Persons and, as such, are qualified to serve as Auxiliary Police Constables.
- ALL sworn POLICE required to obtain and MAINTAIN the exact same civilian NZ Firearms Licence (Endorsed) and conditions, but with extra, thorough enforcement law and marksmanship training/certification.
ARE YOU A FIT AND PROPER PERSON?
FIREARMS LICENCES FOR NZ POLICE.
Marty K.
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