Terry�s Breech-Loading Rifle.
 
This rifle in some respects externally resembles Prince�s, but the principles in either case are essentially distinct. In Prince�s the whole of the barrel moves forward; in Terry�s it is fixed, and the admission of the cartridge is directed through an opening at the base of the breech. Above the lock, and flush with the barrel, is a lever, which being raised and drawn with a half-turn to the rear, gives immediate access to the receptacle for the charge. A thick felt wad, saturated with grease, is fixed to the bottom of the cartridge, for the purpose of lubricating the barrel after each discharge. The wad, before the ignition of the powder, rests against the end of a small cylinder which projects into the barrel, and thus serves to break the recoil. I have not had many opportunities of judging of this gun, which possibly may admit of further improvement. A carbine on this construction (.577 bore), sent to me for trial, did not load with the same facility as one of Prince�s rifles, nor was its accuracy of fire at all comparable to that of the latter weapon.
 
More than a century ago, Robins, in his Treatise on Gunnery described a rifle constructed to load much on this principle, and somewhat prophetically adds, �Perhaps something of this kind, though not in the manner now practised, would be of all others the most perfect method for the construction of these sorts of barrels.� I merely cite this quotation to show that there is nothing very novel in the contrivance of a breech-loader having a chamber with a side-opening.
 
A breech-loading rifle carbine, capable of being converted in a moment into a pistol, the invention of Mr. Terry, of Birmingham, was tried on board her Majesty�s ship Excellent, under the superintendence of Capt. Hewlett, C.B.; from May 10 until the end of last July ( 1858 ), 1800 rounds were fired from it with unprecedented accuracy at various ranges, and that too without cleaning the weapon, which, notwithstanding, gave no recoil, in proof of which Captain Hewlett handed the following certificate to the inventor:-
 
�This is. to certify that I have seen 1800 rounds fired from this rifle without cleaning.  
�July 20, 1858. H.R. HEWLETT.�
 
The rifle missed fire but twice in the 1800 rounds, and, whether discharged by officer or man, eighty-six per cent. were �hits.� The rifle was subsequently taken to the camp at Browndown, and its capabilities exhibited before the troops and instructors in musketry of the 15th Foot (Lieutenant Cuthbert), the Royal Marine Light Infantry (Major Lowder). The practice at 700 and 800 yards was marvellous, notwithstanding a very powerful wind. Its advantages over the old pieces are three pounds less in weight, and five shots to one in time of firing, with a tremendous range, and yet without any necessity for cleaning out, under about a couple of thousand rounds.
 
Source: The Rifle and How to Use It. By Hans Busk, M.A. (London, 1859)

In 1871 and 1881 William Terry, a "Gun Implement Maker" is at 12 Godwin St., Aston, Birmingham. He is married to Lucy A. with children: Alfred (born c1866), Emily J. (born c1870), Lucy A. (born c1872).
 
In 1871, William's sister Emily is living with the family.
 
Do any of these names tie in with your family?
 
David

There was a family of Terry's in London (John > James William > James) that are listed on the Historical Database at www.internetgunclub.com. The family appear to have been in London for some time though.
 
David