Research Press

Historical Firearms, Long Range Target Shooting & Military History

Main Menu

Research Press

Source: Bristol Mercury - Friday 20 June 1884

Death of Mr. George Gibbs

Another aged and respected citizen has been withdrawn from amongst us by the death of Mr. George Gibbs, the well-known gun and pistol manufacturer, of Corn Street and St. John's bridge, which sad event occurred yesterday, at his residence, Park place, Clifton. The deceased gentleman, who was in his 72nd year, had been ailing for some time, but the painful illness to which he succumbed was of comparatively brief duration. Few Bristolians have been more respected, and we doubt if we could name one who would be so much missed from Volunteer and sporting circles as Mr. Gibbs will be. He has been a capital shot through life, and took an early interest in the Volunteer movement, having been amongst the first to join the Bristol Rifle Corps, to which he remained faithful to the last, being at the time of his death armourer-sergeant of the regiment. Those who have been at all watchful of the National Rifle Meetings from year to year, at Wimbledon, cannot have failed to have been struck with his skill and success as a marksman. In one year he carried off the Rifle Derby, and very numerous money and other prizes have from time to time fallen to his rifle. As a gunmaker Mr. Gibbs had a high renown and he has been the sole manufacturer of the famous Farquharson-Metford rifles. He was, too, the inventor and patentee of the first hammerless gun. The deceased citizen, who was much esteemed in private life for his kindly and genial qualities, has left a widow and three sons, two of the latter being in the business.