I’m looking for some tips on how to research old patents, specifically old English gunmaker patents. Are there online databases of patent descriptions? Where else might one start looking?

Having never tried to do anything similar before, I’d appreciate any tips to get me headed in the right direction.

- stu

cross-posted on the gunsmithing forum

I have a set of books that I have found invaluable for just the type of research you are desiring. It's the 7 volume set of Patents for Inventions for Class 19 Small Arms from 1855-1930. Everything is in these volumes... Henry, Beesley, Hollis, Whitworth and hundreds if not thousands of other makers patents. These are the abridgements of the original specifications. Firearms manufacturers worlwide filed their patents with the British Patent Office. They were reprinted in 1993 by Armory Publications. I'd be happy to help you with your research if you're unable to find the books.

Thanks Brian. Saw your reply also on the Gunsmithing forum. I'll continue the discussion there. Looks like it's getting more hits.
- stu