coggansfield
Brummie babby
Hello, I am currently writing a book for Headstamp Publishing on Lee-Enfield Royal Irish Constabulary pattern carbines, 11,200 of which were in the early 20th century converted to the police pattern from the cavalry-pattern carbines of the day. The large majority of this conversion work was done at the government Royal Small Arms Repair Facility (RSARF), which at the time occupied part of the RSAF Sparkbrook rifle factory on Montgomery Street.
The book will contain a whole chapter on the RSARF. This was housed in the RSAF Sparkbrook establishment from 1894 until the place was sold to BSA in 1906. Before that, from 1841 to 1894, the BRF was situated on a one-acre site on Bagot Street known as "the Tower".
I am looking for old photos of either location, Bagot Street or Montgomery Street. Modern photos of the two places are attached. The one with the two modern high-rises is Bagot Street, while the brick-façaded industrial location is Montgomery Street (in fact, this is what survives of the RSAF Sparkbrook façade). In the case of Bagot Street, any old photos will do — even post-WWI pics, when the place was used for other (non-military) industrial purposes. For example, it was a bicycle factory for a while.
Any photos anyone may have of either establishment, interior or exterior photos, will be much appreciated. Then captions under any photos used will credit you for your generosity. You can reply to me via this forum or PM me for my e-mail address.
Thanks very much,
Douglas P. Munro, Ph.D.
The book will contain a whole chapter on the RSARF. This was housed in the RSAF Sparkbrook establishment from 1894 until the place was sold to BSA in 1906. Before that, from 1841 to 1894, the BRF was situated on a one-acre site on Bagot Street known as "the Tower".
I am looking for old photos of either location, Bagot Street or Montgomery Street. Modern photos of the two places are attached. The one with the two modern high-rises is Bagot Street, while the brick-façaded industrial location is Montgomery Street (in fact, this is what survives of the RSAF Sparkbrook façade). In the case of Bagot Street, any old photos will do — even post-WWI pics, when the place was used for other (non-military) industrial purposes. For example, it was a bicycle factory for a while.
Any photos anyone may have of either establishment, interior or exterior photos, will be much appreciated. Then captions under any photos used will credit you for your generosity. You can reply to me via this forum or PM me for my e-mail address.
Thanks very much,
Douglas P. Munro, Ph.D.