Mervyn Mitton Posted January 25, 2011 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.
FrontlineAntiques Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 Great item! This is what i Thought your glove gun was!
Brian Wolfe Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 An interesting post. I have heard of these but never saw one. Thanks for enlightening me. Regards Brian
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