The Birmingham Cartridge Manufactures – C.W Harding

An in-depth review of the former munitions companies in Birmingham and a fascinating insight into the social history of its workforce. The Birmingham Cartridge Manufacturers covers both shotgun cartridge and metallic cartridge production across a huge range of products giving examples of their related patents and headstamps. It is profusely illustrated with cartridge photographs together with those of the staff and their former workplaces.

The author traces the rise and fall of these companies as they sought to match the demands of the day, often fuelled by both home and overseas wars and their diversification into other areas of production. The many companies covered by the book include BSA, Westley Richards, Kynoch, WW Greener and The Midland Gun Company, whose former ammunition production is now all but forgotten.

THE AUTHOR 

Bill Harding retired from the West Midlands Police Force in 1993 having reached the rank of Superintendent. He now works as freelance consultant and historian and archivist to the Birmingham Proof House and has established the only ammunition museum in Britain. His previous titles include Eley Cartridges.

Reviews:
“The book is beautifully produced… excellent chronicle of Birmingham’s past glory and I recommend to anyone interested in guns, gunmaking, ammunition or industrial history.”    Shooting Times

“The author leaves no stone unturned in this work… cartridge enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice as to where to begin reading.”  Shooting Gazette

“The Birmingham Cartridge Manufacturers… is the most comprehensive work on the subject to date. The book is a veritable tome covering the manufacture of percussion caps through to the centrefire cartridge and its many manufacturers up to the present day.  It is profusely illustrated with colour and black and white photographs, diagrams and also provides an insight into the social life of the early era. This excellent book will serve both as a unique work of reference and as an enjoyable read.”   Countryman’s Weekly