3-008-616 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: Birmingham Smallarms Trophy, 1862. 'In block form, it is a parallelogram, with square projecting corners, which rise to about two-thirds of the height of the solid block, and are connected at about three feet from the base by glass showcases having horizontal positions...The square, projecting, pedestal-like corner blocks each support a circle of rifles with mounted bayonets; a cornice enrichment is also formed around the upper part...with bayonets, and a decorative ridge tile is formed of the same weapon. The angles of the roof are rendered ornamental by being crocketed with heavy pistols, and underneath the cornice at each end is a row of gun-locks. The triangular ends of the roof are each decorated with circular arrangements of gun-locks and other fragments, and by a series of pistols above, arranged somewhat in the form of the Prince of Wales's feather, and the flat sides each with a circular group of bayonets...In the two large faces of the trophy...there are arched recesses filled with guns of various descriptions, and surrounding these arches are bayonets and cases arranged in a radiating manner'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.