3-017-051 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The fatal explosion at a percussion-cap manufactory in Graham-Street, Birmingham: view of the ruins, 1862. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. W. Hart. 'Birmingham was the scene of a terrible explosion...by which nine persons lost their lives and a large number were severely injured. The accident took place in a manufactory belonging to Messrs. Walker...The work was chiefly done by women and young persons, and they were met to receive their wages when the explosion took place, burying employers and employed in a common ruin. There were five of the family of the proprietors on the premises at the time of the catastrophe - three sons and two daughters. Of these two of the former were killed, and one of the Misses Walker is shockingly injured. The building was completely destroyed and the adjoining property seriously injured. The cause of the explosion remains a mystery'. The percussion cap, introduced in the early 1820s, is a type of single-use percussion ignition device for muzzle loader firearm locks, enabling them to fire reliably in any weather condition. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.