h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

2.11.2015

Its strange how on some days things go right (more than others) I just wandered into an old antique workshop/yard with an attached shop. nothing out of the ordinary but moderately interesting.

The yard piled high with wrought iron garden furniture bunches, fence panels and tables, there was some lumber in a corner that was duly inspected.

The shop was packed with wardrobes tables old prints and the usual allsorts of varying degrees of interest. You never know what there is but normally it is little more than just interesting.

Today was a little different I noticed a box of VHS tapes of the Inspector Morse series "you can have those" said the owner, thanks mate.

Then I asked about a 2ft square of 2 inch thick rough sawn oak I need for a project "you can have that" excellent.

Then in curiosity I picked up a very dusty old pistol dusted it off it was a gem of a 9 inch octagonal barrel, percussion lock, gentleman's travelling pistol, in steel brass and mahogany and in probably good firing condition. How much "you can have that for £140" must admit it's VERY TEMPTING, keep telling myself its an investment.

I would have jumped on the gun as it sounds like it could be worth a few bob, no pun intended Bob.

Smudger.

I might just do that Smudger.

Ask yourself 'if I don't, will I regret not getting it later?'
That's what I do.

<BB<

Do you already have firearms? I understand there are strict rules and regs about how they are stored.

Held a shotgun certificate for some years don't need one now. At one time I was covered by class 1 where I worked.

Shot guns a locked gun cabinet fixed to the structure of your house or other building. This has to be pre approved by a police visit to your storage facility.

NB if an antique is reproofed by an armorer and is short barrel eg: a pistol or any other gun has a rifled barrel it is a Class 1 and it is illegal to own without a licence.

That's about the basics of the UK law. However black powder guns should be more strongly regulated banned (my opinion) If you hit anything at close range with a musket ball the entry hole will be big enough to put your thumb in, the exit wound well would you would need a dinner plate to cover the hole.

I used to have a shotgun license as well, back in the days when I had a good eye for clay pinion shooting.

It was starting to get a bit too expensive, with the price if shells and entry fees, so I gave it up? That along with having to work week ends didn't help either.


Smudger.

Sounds like you had a good eye mate

Aye! I've always liked shooting, ever since I was younger, when I got my first air rifle.

I could light a match from thirty yards with it!

Smudger.

[Amy P]