BRAZIER, JOSEPH, LTD. 

   Current manufacturer established in circa 1700 and currently located in West Sussex, England. 
Currently represented in the U.S. by Joseph Brazier, Ltd - Karl Lippard, gunmaker, 
located in Colorado Springs, CO. 
   This firm was founded in approx. 1702 by William Brazier, Gunmaker, London (1721-1753), and 
was continued by his son, John Brazier, also of London, from 1741-1769. Benjamin Brazier was 
established in Wolverhampton from 1818-1835. Joseph Brazier was listed as a gun and lock 
maker at the same address (9 Brick Kiln Street) during 1827. From 1834 to 1887, the address 
was "The Ashes" on Great Brick Kiln Street, Wolverhampton. By 1838, the firm was also making 
implements, and had been appointed lock makers to the East India Company and the Board of 
Ordnance. In 1849, Joseph's elder son, also named Joseph, was made a partner, and the firm 
became known as Joseph Brazier & Son. By 1851, younger son Richard Brazier was made a partner, 
and the firm was renamed J & R Brazier. This company exhibited locks and accessories at 
the Great Exhibition of 1851.

   During this same time, J & R Brazier was making gun furniture, sights, bullets, moulds, and 
breech loading actions. In 1855, Joseph Brazier patented a lever ramrod for Adams self-cocking 
pistols (No. 760) (single action later converted to double action), and the Adams revolvers, 
which he made under license. During 1858, Richard Brazier patented a loading device (No. 1593), 
and at least one revolver using this patent was made; the name engraved on the revolver was 
"Joseph Brazier & Son", which implied that Richard had died, and the firm's name had reverted.
By 1859, Joseph Brazier Jr. registered two designs, the first (No. 1056) was for a spring clamp, 
and the second (No. 1068) was for a lock vice. In 1864, Joseph Brazier Jr. reportedly patented 
a snap action breech loading mechanism (patent not traced). By 1872, the firm was classified as 
gun barrel makers, and in 1874 (as well as 1879-1880), the firm was recognized as gunmakers - 
breech loading. After 1874, the firm changed its name to Joseph Brazier & Sons, most likely 
indicating Joseph Sr. had retired after taking his sons into the business as partners. 

   During 1876, the firm purchased a license to manufacture Anson & Deeley's famous patent boxlock. 
In 1887, William Mansfield Jr. became a senior partner, and the company moved from "The Ashes Works" 
to Lord Street. Mansfield was a lock maker on Lord Street from 1875-1896 and during 1887 under 
the name J. Brazier & Sons, patented the "Galwey Brazier Improved Game Scorer", which fitted into 
the forend or stock of a shotgun. 

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By 1896, William Mansfield either retired or died, and G. Brazier together with W. Cashmore 
patented a safety for a hammerless gun.It appears that after 1896, the Brazier family regained 
control of their family's business. 

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Around 1920, the firm, which had approx. 26 employees, was bought by Edwin Chilton of Wolverhampton, 
and Brazier named locks continued to be made until 1978, when Chilton closed down the company. 
After 1978, Joseph Brazier was registered as Magnum Arms Company Ltd. at 46 Newhampton Rd. West, 
Wolverhampton, West Midlands. In 1983, Joseph Brazier Ltd. was registered as a limited company, 
and by 1993 was acquired and incorporated.

Today, Joseph Brazier manufactures complete guns, gunlocks for the HMS Victory, firearms locks, 
parts, accessories, and new technology Solid Solid one piece barrels for the trade. The firm 
also offers state of the art engineering services to the English gunmaking trade and is an 
engineering consultant to 14 major firearms manufacturers.

For more information on the current line of Joseph Brazier Ltd. guns, please contact the 
U.S. representative directly, including information about importation, availability and pricing. 
All firearms are designed by Karl Lippard Designs.