Joseph Whitworth, Manchester, England
Approached in 1854 by Lord Hardinge to investigate 'the mechanical principles applicable in the construction of an efficient weapon,' Whitworth's experiments revolutionised rifle design.
Research Press is now working with Bill Curtis and De Witt Bailey, who have an ongoing research project concerning original Whitworth rifles. If you have access to ANY original hex bore Whitworth from the period 1857-1865 please note its serial number and letter for recording. Please contact David Minshall at Research Press with details.
- The Whitworth Rifle: A Brief Introduction - Introductary history of the hexagonally bored Whitworth rifle.
- Whitworth Rifle Warnings - Bill Curtis and De Witt Bailey have an ongoing research project concerning original Whitworth rifles. Warning! - The Whitworth Research Project has identified problems with several rifles that have appeared on the open market from time to time.
- The Whitworth Rifle - A short article describing the merits of the Whitworth as a military rifle, and urging adoption by the War Department [1860].
- Contemporary leaflets concerning loading and cleaning the Whitworth rifle.
- Rival Rifles - Whitworth and Rigby rifles vie for selection for the Queen's Prize match in 1865.
- Rifled Small Arms - J. Whitworth letter appealing against arming troops with short-range rifles [1870].
- Guns and Steel - "It is probable that few are aware of the manner in which I approached the subject of rifling guns, or know that the Whitworth rifle was produced as the result of many months of experimental research in the rifle gallery, five hundred yards long, erected in my grounds at Manchester." [1873]
- Sir Joseph Whitworth, Bart. - A memoir published in 'The National Portrait Gallery' [1878].
- The Mechanical Genius and Works of the late Sir Joseph Whitworth - Tribute to the memory of Joseph Whitworth read at a late meeting of the Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia [1887].
- Interment of Sir Joseph Whitworth, Bart. - Contemporary report of the interment Sir Joseph Whitworth [1887].
- The Grave of Sir Joseph Whitworth - at St. Helen's, Darley Dale, Derbyshire
- Monument To Sir Joseph Whitworth - Manchester Courier, 3 September 1894
See the Ordnance pages for further information on Whitworth guns.
Whitworth Rifles
Ammunition & Accessories
- Whitworth Hexagonal Bullet Mould - Whitworth produced moulds for bullets in hexagonal or cylindrical form. His moulds were serially numbered but these numbers are not related to the rifle’s serial numbers.
- Whitworth: Bullets - A selection of bullets and packaging
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Parent Category: Gunmakers
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Category: Joseph Whitworth, Manchester, England
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Written by Research Press
A handsome monument from the inhabitants of Darleydale, Derbyshire, was presented to Lady Whitworth, in token of the esteem felt for the memory of the late Sir Joseph Whitworth, Bart. The monument occupies a space in the centre of the grounds at the Whitworth Institute, and has an imposing appearance, the base being formed of one block of Stancliffe stone.
Read more: Monument To Sir Joseph Whitworth
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Parent Category: Gunmakers
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Category: Joseph Whitworth, Manchester, England
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Written by Research Press
This rifle was sold by auction 7 May 2006, Hammer price: AU$14000
Auctioneer: Australian Antique Arms Auctions

Dealers Catalogue Description (Lot 576a)
WHITWORTH PERCUSSION VOLUNTEER RIFLE: 461 Cal; 33" rnd barrel; exc bore with hexagonal rifling, strong blue finish & marked whitworth patent with British proofs & 52; knox form & lock display case hardening colour; bolted hammer safety; lock marked with plumbed coronet over w & whitworth; the 3 barrel bands show blue thinning to plum finish; coarse chequering to wrist & forend; v.g. wood with sharp profiles; patch box & steel butt plate showing signs of case hardening colour; r.rod marked f.preston manchester & numbered to the gun. This rifle is in magnificent cond & appears little used. #B143.
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Parent Category: Gunmakers
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Category: Joseph Whitworth, Manchester, England
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Written by Research Press
Dealers Catalogue Description (Lot 289)
IMPORTANT AND EXTREMELY RARE WHITWORTH CONFEDERATE SNIPER RIFLE. SN C529. Cal. .450 Whitworth Hexagonal, 32-13/16” bbl. Marked “WHITWORTH RIFLE Co MANCHESTER” on the lockplate with Birmingham proof marks and the serial number C529 on the upper left quadrant of the bbl.
Read more: Whitworth: Rifle No. C529