Assorted Cashmore references to be examined later... David Baker, from the March 2010 edition of the U.K. magazine,Sporting Gun:- "I once started to try and find out more about the Cashmore firm, but gave up when I discovered that they were more of a clan than a simple family. I did discover that they were originally Black Country nail makers, who became pistol barrel forgers and then gunmakers. Like others, they made a name for themselves, but went further than most, with their live pigeon guns and patented action." The Cashmores were major players in the Firearms business in the West Midlands for a long time. Joseph lived at 57 Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham. Joseph died at 57 Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham. ..."Even 'third division' makers such as Cashmore and Webley & Scott made very good guns and often did so for the trade"... Corporation general and trades directory of Birmingham ... and Wolverhampton 1861 Gun and Pistol makers: Cashmore, William 130 Steelhouse lane West Bromich: Cashmore Edward, Iron & Steel merchants, High Street Cashmore Edward, Pistol maker, Lombard Street Cashmore Joel, Pistol maker, Reform Street Cashmore Paul, Revolving chamber pistols and rifles, Newton Street Paul Cashmore, 1849 - 1865, major producer of revolvers and pistols for different brands. 130 Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham. Patent no. 29615. Filing year 1888. "Repeating Rifle," Edwin J. Cashmore and William M. Cooper. RHODES, W & T, 1887 – Adelaid, Gunsmiths Agent for William Cashmore, Birmingham. HISTORY AND GENERAL DIRECTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF BIRMINGHAM, WITH THE REMAINDER OF THE PARISH OF ASTON, THE SOHO AND PART OF HANDSWORTH INCLUDED BY FRANCIS WHITE AND Co., 1849 Cashmore Eiizabeth, Bird and Animal Preservers., 12, Steel-house lane Cashmore William, gun and gun implement manufacturer, 33, Newton street Cashmore William, gun and gun implement manufacturer, 33, Newton street ..."a fine Birmingham-made pigeon gun with two sets of barrels carrying the inscription Wm Cashmore maker Birmingham"... ..."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"... William Cashmore began business in 1835 on Newton Street, (Birmingham) after serving his apprenticeship under Benjamin Swift. In 1858 they moved to Steelhouse Lane. They established an agency in Sidney so there are probably a good number of his in Australia. Cashmore was renowned for trap guns, chambered in 2 3/4" and 3". He has a number of patents and made Nitro proofed guns. (from Boothroyd's Directory of British Gunmakers) Read more: http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=245617#ixzz1kJurGi8i William Cashmore was established in Birmingham in 1835. From 1847-57 he was located at 33 Newton Street. From this date he was located in Steel House Lane. Later specific addresses were as follows: 1910-130 Steelhouse Lane 1920-132 Steelhouse Lane 1935-Not listed 1940-25 Whittal Street 1955-59 Bath Street 1960-121 SteelHouse Lane 1965 Not listed. Cashmores patent "Nitro" gun used two projections one on each side of the action with maching barrel lumps to produce an extra strong action.This action was capable of handling the very heavy loads in vogue for Wild fowling. A 1900 Cashmore Catalogue includes glowing reports on the Nitro gun from none other than Annie Oakley and Dr.Carver. For furter information on Cashmore, I have to find: "Sidelocks and Boxlocks" by the late Geoffrey Boothroyd. The number of gunmakers who are still in business today and who can trace their ancestry to the days of the muzzleloader are very few indeed and rather far between. One such firm is Thomas Bland & Sons® Gunmakers Limited. ex of New Row St. Martains Lane, London England. Thomas Bland is now located both in London England and Benton Pennsylvania USA. Although Bland has been in business in London for over 150 years, the firm started life in Birmingham England. They were founded there in 1840 but the earliest record of them as Gunmakers is from 1862. James and Edwin Bland were in business as Gunmakers as early as 1840. Edwin being the brother of Thomas who founded the firm that was to bear his name. Thomas Bland prospered at his original premises 41 Whittle Street. By 1867 they expanded into numbers 42 and 43, next to the Kings Arms Public House at the corner of Steelhouse Lane. In 1872 the firm expanded even further, Thomas Bland Junior the son of the founder opened a branch at 105 Strand London and in 1886 they also acquired additional premises at 430 Strand. The original London premises were then closed. The following year saw the death of the founder, the business being conducted by son Thomas. Up to the First World War Bland made not only shotguns but a wide range of rifles for Big Game. Thomas took out a Patents for rifle sights and with William Cashmore also of Birmingham a Patent for a special four barreled pistol was obtained.