Bolton Esq George (1 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Good. 1st Edition. 88 pages plus 7 page dedication "To the King", (George III) and 17 page introduction "To the Public" Rare. Period red leather with gilt edge decoration, gilt titles on spine, all page edges gilt, marbled endpapers, ribbon page marker. The leather darker at the spine, with edge wear, scattered marks and soiling. Very light foxing in the first and last pages, the text block remains clear on off white paper. The binding is sound. Gift inscription on the first endpaper "From.to Henry Wilkinson, Dec.22. 1840" Unknown if this is the Henry Wilkinson of gunmaking and swordmaking fame. Reference from J. N. George, "English Guns and Rifles" Page 227-228 of the Samworth first edition: Henry Nock manufactured a flint-lock of which the outstanding features were firstly that it was made entirely without screws, its parts being simply enclosed between two steel plates, and its sear and tumbler working upon fixed pins in the outer of these; and secondly that every part of it, being made with great precision to a set pattern, could instantly be replaced with a similar part out of store if it should be broken. This lock was the invention of George Bolton, a mathematician of some repute, who formerly held the position of tutor to the children of King George III and who devoted his leisure time to the improvement of gun locks. He had invented (besides the screwless method of construction) an improved safety-bolt for gun or rifle-locks which made it absolutely impossible for the cock to fall either from full-bent or half-bent unless the trigger was drawn back to the full, and an ingenious modification of the jaws of the cock by which the gun-flint used, could be adjusted after each shot so as to strike the steel at a slightly different angle , in order that it might not miss-fire through striking always upon the same spot. The Bolton lock was chiefly remarkable for the economy of its design, and the small number of its working parts. The first British Service lock to be fitted with a swivel on its mainspring, and a roller bearing to ease the working of the pan cover.