Mervyn Mitton Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2011/post-6209-0-40832100-1295954505.jpgThis unusual little item came-in recently with a set of Rhodesian medals (see British Medals). He was a senior officer with the British South African Police and these alarm guns were secured in vulnerable places. A trip wire would be run and if stepped on would fire the blank cartridge. The alternative way to use, would be to fix it under a door - so that it went off if opened - and also, where someone might walk on a path in the bush. The Rhodesian Police probably distributed these to farmers and would have used them to protect their own camps. I expect this one was used to protect the officer's home. The top is left slightly open and pressure closes it - releasing a spring holding the firing pin. Opened-up photos show this. There are 5 unfired blank cartidges in the sealed plastic holder. Alarm guns have been in use for hundreds of years - gamekeepers in Britain used to leave ones firing shot in the woods. They were succesful as long as it wasn't wet or damp - this would affect the flintlock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrontlineAntiques Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Great item! This is what i Thought your glove gun was! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Wolfe Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 An interesting post. I have heard of these but never saw one. Thanks for enlightening me. Regards Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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