[ William Tranter, gunmaker. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('William Tranter') to attorney Richard Harington (the future 11th Baronet), providing a report on 1560 guns, in a dispute between 'Mr. Goldsmidth' [ for 'Goldschmidt'? ] and 'Mr. Meadows'.

2pp., 8vo. On aged and worn paper, with slight chipping at foot. Addressed 'To Richard Harrington [sic] Esqr | 2 Hare Court | Temple | London'. He has 'seen the guns sent by Mr. Meadows to Mr. Goldsmidth' and furnishes Harington 'with the particulars respecting them'. Of 1600 guns, 40 have been returned to Meadows 'untouched', and Tranter proceeds to give a breakdown of the whereabouts of the other 1560, beginning with '580 guns now at Mr. Goldsmidth's in the cases as they were delivered to him not opened and consequently untouched'. Other guns are at different finishers ('Messrs. Cross's', 'Mr. Wild's', 'Lightwood's') and four have been 'had away by Mr. Hickling for Mr. Meadows'. One hundred guns are said to be 'at Gumley's the actions were put on the barrels of these guns April 29th. by Cross Bnds. and they are now in different finishers hands being finished as I will now give the particulars'. Four entries follow, beginning with 40 of the 100 'with "Broadbent finisher" actions cased into the Stocks ready for finishing'. He ends by explaining that the 'forgoing 100 guns are now being worked at by the different workmen in whose hands they happen to be and although the actions have been screwed on the barrels so recently I expect they will be finished guns in eight to ten days - There are about six guns short of the quantity which I ahve been unable to find'.. Tranter's firearms were much-esteemed in the United States. They were favoured during the American Civil War, and two were carried by the famous detective Allan Pinkerton. From the papers of Sir Richard Harington of Ridlington, 11th Baronet (succeeded 1877).