A TRADE ADVERTISEMENT OF JAMES WILKINSON & SON, GUNMAKERS, FOR THE SHAH OF PERSIA
Possibly 1873 or late 19th century
Reading JA(s) WILKINSON & SON, GUNMAKERS TO THE KING AND PRINCE ROYAL OF PERSIA
Depicting the Lion & Sun (Shir o Khorshid) emblem of the Qajar dynasty (1794 - 1924) in Iran
oil on canvas
77cm x 52.5cm

His Imperial Majesty Naser al-Din Shah Qajar of Persia (1831-1896) was distinguished as the first ruler of his nation to visit Europe. The Tour Diary of HM The Shah of Persia, written in his own words, chronicles the Persian monarch’s visit to England in 1873 and paints a detailed picture of British royal circles. The Shah’s State Visit to London was a political move by Prime Minister Gladstone calculated to forge a territorial alliance with Persia against Russia. Britain had declared war on Persia in 1856 when the Shah ordered the invasion of Afghanistan which was soon repelled. Queen Victoria approved the Shah being appointed a member of the Order of the Garter. It is reasonable to suggest that during his visit in 1873, the Shah was granted with Wilkinson & Son Royal warrant as depicted in the present work.

Gunmaker Henry Nock died in 1804 with no legal heirs in his will. He left his stock and business to James Wilkinson, his foreman. Wilkinson identified himself as Nock’s son-in-law and on later trade labels, he started referring to himself as Successor and Son-in-Law to the Late Mr. Henry Nock. James Wilkinson, Gunmaker No. 10 Ludgate Street, Established 1804.

Wilkinson had become Gunmaker-in-Ordinary to the king in 1805. Contracts with the East India Company ensured the success of the business. The name became James Wilkinson & Son around 1818 when James’ son, Henry, joined. Because of the company’s superior work in creating bayonets and swords, it eventually became Wilkinson Sword and continued to make fine weapons until 2005. The company still survives today by making razor blades and other similar products.