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Volunteer Infantry >> Volunteer Infantry (1859-1908) >> Thurstan Forshaw
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Message started by weejimmy100 on 11/02/05 at 3:48am

Title: Thurstan Forshaw
Post by weejimmy100 on 11/02/05 at 3:48am

I have recently acquired an Officers model Snider carbine. (Officers model because of the checkered stock) It has no military markings and was made by Frederick Gates of Derby. Between the barrel and the stock I found a label "Thurstan Forshaw Physician 1875"

The 1881 Census has a record of a Thurstan Forshaw, Physician, living in Smalley Green near Derby, so since that was where the rifle was made I am assuming that he was the owner of my rifle.

Does anyone know of a way of tracing if he was ever in any military unit, regular or volunteer? I live in California so web based research is a lot easier than digging through archives.

Thanks
Jim

Title: Re: Thurstan Forshaw
Post by Bill_Curtis on 11/02/05 at 10:18am

Why should you assume that it is an Officer's Model and not just a civilian commercial rifle ?

Forshaw may or may not have had some military connection or may merely have been travelling in areas where the possession of a carbine chambering easily available ammunition was desirable.

I suggest a quick check in Hart's Annual Army List of the period might or might not produce a result. I looked into the 1857 List ,which is the latest I have, but he was not in that.

Title: Re: Thurstan Forshaw
Post by weejimmy100 on 11/05/05 at 3:12am

It is close to a military cavalry carbine, except for a sling swivel on the barrel. I believe most civilian rifles were more sporterized. However I could be wrong, there are always different versions showing up.

It may be he used it for local game, or that he was a big game hunter in Africa. Who knows. Chasing down the history of a gun from a few titbits of information is one of the interesting parts of restoring these old ladies.
Jim

Title: Re: Thurstan Forshaw
Post by dbm on 11/05/05 at 8:44am

In 1861 Thurston is assistant to a physician in Halifax, Yorkshire.

In 1871 Thurston is a student of medicine & �physicians assistant in Heanor, Derbyshire

In 1891 Thruston is living at 88 Derby Road, Smalley, Derbyshire. He died in 1895.

David