This article explores the history and impact of V&R Blakemore, a 19th-century British export firm specializing in firearms, hardware, and government supplies.

Discover the story of V&R Blakemore, its founders Villiers Blakemore and Ramsey Blakemore, their innovations in firearms and engineering, and the legacy they left in trade, colonial supply, and industrial advancements.

V&R Blakemore

V&R Blakemore was a British export merchant company specializing in metal goods, firearms, locks, and hardware during the late 19th century. The firm, run by Villiers Blakemore (1823–1883) and Ramsey Blakemore (1836–1891), operated from offices in London at 46 Leadenhall Street (1867–1874) and Birmingham at 38 Charlotte Street (1870–1895). Their role extended beyond commerce, as they were involved in military and government contracts, supplying weapons, buttons, and specialized tools to colonial forces in Australia and Africa.

The company's diverse product line included breech-loading firearms, buttons for post and telegraph services, and precision-engineered tools. Their business was deeply tied to Birmingham’s gun-making industry, where they managed a small factory that likely assembled firearms from various trade components. V&R Blakemore was also documented as a supplier to Tasmania's Local Forces (1878–1884), H.M. Gaol Hobart, and Queensland's Native Mounted Police (1870–1895).

Villiers Blakemore

Villiers Blakemore was a prominent businessman and community figure. In addition to co-running V&R Blakemore, he was a founding director of the Union Bank of Birmingham, Limited, and served on its board until 1883, when he resigned due to illness. He passed away a few months later in the same year.

Blakemore was also active in local politics and civic life. He served as Vice-President of the Junior Liberal Association, as recorded in the Liberalism journal on October 22, 1878.

The title "Esq." (Esquire) after Villiers Blakemore's name was an honorary title used in Britain, denoting a gentleman of high social standing, often associated with landowners, professionals, or respected business figures.

His involvement in public affairs extended to his work with the British Bee-Keepers’ Association, where he was instrumental in organizing Birmingham's first major beekeeping exhibition in 1879.

Ramsey Blakemore

Ramsey Blakemore was the other key figure in V&R Blakemore. In addition to his business dealings, he was an inventor, filing a patent in 1871 for improvements in locking and unlocking nuts for bolts, as well as innovations in spanners. The patent was filed alongside William Alexander Sherring and Henry Horstman, indicating a broader collaboration in industrial engineering.

V&R Blakemore's reach extended to government contracts as well. They were listed as crown agents for the colonies and inspectors in the Colonial Office List of 1890. The firm also supplied post-mortem knives, as mentioned in a Report of the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon in Cape Town in 1898.

Firearms and Engineering Innovations

V&R Blakemore was actively involved in firearm advancements. One significant patent associated with their firm was filed on May 4, 1870, for improvements in breech-loading firearms and cartridges. The patent, registered in the name of Bethel Burton at V&R Blakemore’s London office, introduced a safer and more efficient breech-loading mechanism.

V&R Blakemore left a lasting legacy in multiple industries, from firearms and engineering patents to government supply contracts and even beekeeping advocacy. Their operations in Birmingham and London reflected their prominence in the British industrial and trade sectors. The contributions of Villiers and Ramsey Blakemore spanned finance, politics, engineering, and colonial administration, making their company a notable player in 19th-century commerce and manufacturing.

Their patented innovations and exported products served British colonies worldwide, ensuring that their name remains etched in the history of Victorian-era trade and industry.

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