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Kynoch

Kynoch was a pioneering British manufacturer of ammunition, percussion caps, and explosives, founded in 1863 by Scottish entrepreneur George Kynoch in Witton, Birmingham.^[1] Initially focused on percussion caps at the Lion Works, the company rapidly expanded into metallic cartridges and secured major government contracts, including with the British War Department and the Turkish government by 1864.^[1] By 1882, it operated a 24-acre facility employing around 800 workers and producing up to 400,000 cartridges daily, establishing itself as one of Britain's largest ammunition producers.^[2]^[1] The firm's growth involved significant innovations and diversification; in 1868, Kynoch patented a solid-drawn brass cartridge in partnership with William Whitehill, and by the 1870s, it introduced the Kynoch Press for efficient packaging.^[1] Expansions included acquiring 19 acres in 1872 and 85 more in 1888–1889, alongside new factories in Arklow, Ireland (1895), and Kynochtown, Essex (planned 1895, operational by 1897).^[1] Products evolved to encompass high explosives like cordite, gelignite, and dynamite after acquiring Shortridge and Wright in 1893, with the company renaming to Kynoch Ltd in 1897.^[1] Despite setbacks, such as multiple explosions in the 1870s that caused fatalities, employment reached 3,000 by the late 19th century, supporting global military needs.^[1]^[3] During the World Wars, Kynoch played a critical role in munitions production, notably manufacturing billions of .303-inch cartridges at its Witton works for British forces in World War I, with peak employment reaching around 18,000 workers.^[3] In 1918, it merged into Explosives Trades Ltd alongside other ammunition firms, which evolved into Nobel Industries and, in 1926, Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI).^[4] Under ICI's metals division, Kynoch's operations continued, focusing on non-ferrous metals and ammunition until the formation of Imperial Metal Industries (IMI) in 1962.^[5] IMI achieved full independence from ICI by 1977, with the Kynoch brand persisting for specialized ammunition products into the late 20th century.^[6] The company's legacy endures through IMI plc, a global engineering firm headquartered in Birmingham.^[5]

History

Founding and Early Development

George Kynoch, a Scottish entrepreneur born in 1834 in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, began his career as a bank clerk in Glasgow, Worcester, and Birmingham before entering the ammunition industry. In 1856, he joined the Birmingham-based firm Pursall & Phillips, a small manufacturer of percussion caps located at Whittall Street.^[7]^[2] By 1862, Kynoch had taken full ownership of the business, renaming it G. Kynoch & Co. and shifting its focus toward expanded production.^[7]^[2] The company's initial operations centered on producing percussion caps, primarily for sporting guns, at the Whittall Street factory. In 1862, Kynoch relocated the operations to a new site in Witton, Birmingham, establishing the Lion Works, which began with a modest staff of one man and twelve girls. This move facilitated early growth, and by 1863, the firm had expanded into metallic cartridge production, introducing its first drawn brass cartridges during the 1860s to meet rising demand in civilian shooting sports.^[1]^[8]^[2] Throughout the 1870s, G. Kynoch & Co. maintained a structure centered on small-scale manufacturing tailored to the sporting ammunition market, with production emphasizing quality copper percussion caps and innovative brass casings for rifles and shotguns. Despite several devastating explosions in the 1860s and 1870s that resulted in dozens of fatalities and injuries, the company continued to grow.^[1] Employment grew steadily, reaching approximately 800 workers by 1882, reflecting the company's consolidation as a key player in Birmingham's gun trade district. In 1884, the firm incorporated as a limited company, solidifying its early foundation amid increasing competition.^[1]^[2]

Expansion and Acquisitions

In the early 1890s, Kynoch expanded into high explosives production by acquiring the Yorkshire-based firm Shortridge & Wright, which provided expertise in this area and facilitated the company's diversification beyond traditional ammunition.^[1] This move was followed in 1895 by the construction of a major 170-acre explosives factory at Arklow on Ireland's east coast, selected for its isolated location to enhance safety during cordite manufacturing—a new smokeless propellant that Kynoch began producing to meet growing demand for modern cartridges.^[2]^[9] The Arklow site quickly scaled up to include production of gelignite, dynamite, and Kynoch's proprietary explosive Kynite, marking a significant step in the company's vertical integration of raw materials and propellants.^[2] By the turn of the century, Kynoch pursued further growth through multiple acquisitions to bolster its manufacturing capabilities. Between 1901 and 1902, the company purchased the Eyre Street factory from Hadley & Shorthouse for brass and copper tube production, the Stirchley facility for shell manufacturing, the Forward Engineering Company for gas engines, an Irish paper mill for packaging materials, and Accles Limited, which added a 33-acre site to its portfolio.^[2] In 1906, Kynoch acquired a second Irish paper mill and began negotiations for a South African explosives factory, reflecting ambitions for international expansion.^[2] These acquisitions supported a transition to smokeless powder cartridges in the 1890s, with annual output reaching several million rounds by 1910 as demand for sporting and military ammunition surged.^[1]^[10] The period culminated in broader industry consolidation, with Kynoch merging into Explosives Trades Ltd. in 1918—a conglomerate that united major British explosives firms including Nobel Explosives, Eley Brothers, and others to rationalize production and reduce competition.^[5] This amalgamation positioned Kynoch within a larger corporate structure, later rebranded as Nobel Industries, while the Arklow factory continued operations into the late 1910s, employing thousands and underscoring the safety-driven rationale for offshore sites amid rising explosive hazards.^[11]^[12]

Involvement in World Wars

During World War I, Kynoch became a cornerstone of Britain's munitions effort, securing extensive government contracts to produce .303 British rifle rounds essential for the Allied forces. The company's primary facilities at Witton in Birmingham and Arklow in Ireland underwent rapid expansion to meet surging demand, with pre-war acquisitions providing the necessary infrastructure and capacity for large-scale output. By 1916, production at Witton had escalated dramatically, reaching a peak of 25 million rounds per week, while the overall wartime total exceeded 2.4 billion .303 cartridges across both sites.^[3]^[13] The war's labor demands strained Kynoch's workforce, prompting widespread mobilization of employees and recruitment of women to address shortages from male conscription. At its height, the Witton factory employed around 18,000 workers, including thousands of women in assembly and filling roles, while the Arklow plant supported several thousand more in explosives and cartridge production. After the armistice, demobilization brought sharp cutbacks and a glut of surplus stock, forcing Kynoch to navigate economic contraction and eventual merger with other firms into Explosives Trades Ltd in 1918.^[3] In World War II, Kynoch, now integrated into Imperial Chemical Industries' Nobel Division, ramped up operations under Ministry of Supply oversight to supply small arms ammunition, fuses, and explosives critical to the war effort. The Witton facility, vulnerable to air raids during the Birmingham Blitz, saw production partially dispersed to safer locations to sustain output and minimize risks, echoing strategies that had proven vital in the previous conflict. Employment soared to over 20,000 workers by 1943, with women comprising a significant portion of the munitions workforce, handling everything from cartridge loading to explosives handling in support of Allied campaigns.^[14]^[15]

Post-War Era and Integration

Following World War II, Kynoch, operating as part of Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), focused on disposing of surplus military munitions while transitioning production to civilian applications, particularly sporting ammunition for rifles and shotguns. This shift helped sustain operations amid reduced government contracts, with the company becoming a major exporter of civilian cartridges by the mid-1950s.^[16] The 1949 nationalization of the British iron and steel industry under the Iron and Steel Act did not impact Kynoch, as its core activities in ammunition and explosives manufacturing fell outside the scope of steel production and were exempt from the legislation. Although Kynoch had been integrated into ICI's Nobel Division since the 1926 formation of ICI, this structure was formalized and reorganized post-war; in 1962, to commemorate the centenary of George Kynoch's original factory, ICI renamed its Metals Division as Imperial Metal Industries (Kynoch) Ltd., consolidating ammunition and metals production under a dedicated subsidiary.^[17]^[4] By the mid-1960s, this marked a full merger of operations into ICI's broader framework, emphasizing efficiency in non-ferrous metals and propellants alongside ammunition. In the 1968, Imperial Metal Industries (IMI) discontinued production of sporting metallic rifle ammunition, redirecting resources toward military and industrial products amid declining demand for civilian calibers.^[16] The 1970s brought further decline for Kynoch's traditional operations, with economic pressures and industrial restructuring leading to phased closures at key sites, including the gradual wind-down of ammunition activities at the historic Witton works. Workforce levels, which had peaked at over 20,000 during wartime, were significantly reduced through redundancies and site rationalizations, dropping by thousands as IMI prioritized high-margin engineering sectors.^[18] By 1977, ICI divested its remaining 62% stake in IMI, ending Kynoch's direct ties to the chemical giant and marking the close of its independent operations within the original company structure by the early 1980s, as the Kynoch brand transitioned under IMI's evolving focus.^[18]^[6]

Operations and Products

Ammunition Manufacturing

Kynoch's ammunition manufacturing centered on the production of metallic cartridges, beginning with percussion caps in 1863 and expanding to complete rounds by the late 19th century. Core processes included the drawing of solid brass cases, patented in 1868 by George Kynoch and William Whitehill, which involved progressively forming brass sheets through multiple dies and annealing stages to achieve the desired caliber and strength. Primer assembly utilized copper percussion caps manufactured in-house, inserted into the case head via automated heading machines. Propellant loading initially relied on black powder for early sporting and military applications, but transitioned to smokeless powders like cordite by 1895, enabling higher velocities and reduced fouling in firearms. These steps were conducted in controlled environments to ensure case integrity and reliable ignition.^[1]^[19] The company's product lines encompassed a wide range of sporting cartridges, from small-bore .240 calibers for target shooting to large .700 calibers for dangerous game, including specialty nitro express rounds designed for big-game hunting in Africa and India. Military offerings included the .303 British cartridge, such as the Mark VII variant featuring a 174-grain full metal jacket spitzer bullet for improved range and accuracy, and 7.92×57mm Mauser rounds produced under contract. These products featured brass casings headstamped with identifiers like "KYNOCH" or date codes (e.g., K-33 for 1933), reflecting adherence to British military specifications for reliability in rifles like the Lee-Enfield.^[1]^[19] Quality standards emphasized precision and consistency, with in-house ballistic testing protocols developed to verify velocity, pressure, and accuracy using proof barrels and chronographs, aligning with Birmingham Proof House requirements. Kynoch later incorporated Weldcore bullets, featuring a welded lead core for controlled expansion and penetration in sporting loads. Early production faced challenges, such as a 1885 rejection of one million cartridges by the War Office due to defects, prompting improved quality controls by 1888–1889. Historical shifts saw a move from largely hand-loaded operations in the 1860s to semi-automated lines by the 1880s, achieving daily outputs of up to 400,000 rounds, with full automation emerging by the 1920s for efficiency. Safety measures for explosives handling included isolated propellant mixing buildings and regular inspections, earning praise from H.M. Chief Inspector of Explosives by 1890–1891 despite four early incidents.^[1]^[19]^[20]

Key Facilities and Sites

The Lion Works in Witton, Birmingham, served as Kynoch's headquarters and primary manufacturing hub from its establishment in 1862, when George Kynoch founded the site as a percussion cap factory on a four-acre plot. Over the following decades, it expanded significantly to become the company's core ammunition production facility, with additions of 19 acres in 1872 and further land acquisitions in the 1880s and 1890s to accommodate explosives manufacturing, brass rolling mills, and shell filling operations. By the First World War, the site had grown to over 100 acres and achieved peak output, producing up to 25 million rifle rounds per week, underscoring its role as one of Britain's largest ammunition plants. During the World Wars, facilities like Witton employed up to 18,000 workers, including many women, to meet munitions demands.^[2]^[5]^[16] To mitigate risks associated with centralized production, Kynoch developed dispersed facilities in the late 19th century, including the Arklow explosives works in Ireland, constructed in 1895 on a 170-acre site along the north beach. Chosen for its coastal access, railway connections, and proximity to chemical resources, the factory initially focused on cordite and other smokeless propellants for military and industrial use, with production commencing by July 1895 following an initial government contract. During the Second Boer War and First World War, it expanded rapidly, employing nearly 5,000 workers at its height to produce gelignite, dynamite, and small arms ammunition components, though a major explosion in 1917 highlighted ongoing safety challenges. The site was closed and sold in 1919 as part of post-war rationalization, later repurposed as Irish Manufacturers Ltd. before failing.^[9]^[2]^[5] Similarly, the Coryton explosives factory, known as Kynochtown, was established in Essex in 1895 on 750 acres of marshland east of Shell Haven Creek, opening in 1897 with a dedicated employee village to support operations. Designed for high-risk explosives like cordite, gun cotton, and gunpowder, it complemented the Witton site by handling volatile processes, reaching over 4,000 employees during the First World War amid increased munitions demand. Post-war consolidations led to its closure in 1919, with the land eventually converted to an oil refinery.^[21]^[22]^[5] Holford Works, acquired in 1910 on a 33-acre site adjacent to Witton, which had previously been operated by Accles & Pollock, specialized in ammunition components such as detonators and metal casings, with expansions in the 1930s for specialized production. Integrated into the broader Witton complex, it transitioned post-1945 to non-explosive chemical and metal processing, including copper strip and titanium fabrication.^[2]^[5] Following the 1918 merger into Nobel Industries and subsequent integration into Imperial Chemical Industries in 1926, Kynoch's sites underwent significant rationalization, with closures at Arklow and Coryton to streamline operations and shift emphasis from wartime explosives to peacetime metals production at Witton and Holford. By the 1950s, under the ICI Metals Division, these remaining facilities saw modernizations, including new rolling mills and tube production lines at Witton to enhance efficiency in non-ferrous metals, though specific environmental or safety upgrades are not prominently documented beyond general industry-wide improvements in handling hazardous materials. Ammunition manufacturing at Witton persisted into the late 1960s, ceasing sporting cartridge production in 1968, with the site fully closing its legacy operations by the 1970s amid further corporate reorganizations into Imperial Metal Industries.^[2]^[5]^[16]

Innovations in Cartridges

Kynoch pioneered the development of solid-drawn brass cartridge cases with the 1868 patent, marking a significant advancement over earlier rolled or coiled designs by providing greater strength and reliability for metallic cartridges.^[2] These cases, patented under George Kynoch's leadership, enabled more consistent ignition and extraction in breech-loading firearms, reducing misfires common in paper or foil alternatives.^[1] By the 1880s, Kynoch had scaled production of these drawn brass cases for centerfire cartridges, which featured an integrated primer in the case base for improved safety and performance over rimfire or pinfire systems.^[2] In the 1870s, Kynoch introduced early centerfire cartridges, laying the groundwork for the Eley-Kynoch brand that emerged in the 1890s following industry consolidations, with designs emphasizing robust brass construction for sporting and military applications.^[1] These innovations addressed the limitations of black powder loads by incorporating self-contained metallic components that withstood higher pressures.^[23] Entering the 20th century, Kynoch advanced high-velocity ammunition in the 1890s through the adoption of nitro-based smokeless powders, which dramatically increased muzzle velocities compared to black powder while producing less fouling.^[2] This shift, exemplified by loads achieving velocities over 2,000 feet per second in rifle cartridges, enhanced range and accuracy for big-game hunting.^[24] In the 1920s, Kynoch developed steel-jacketed solid bullets tailored for dangerous game, featuring a monolithic construction that ensured deep penetration and resistance to deformation against thick hides and bone.^[25] These bullets prioritized stopping power in calibers like .375 and .470, becoming staples for African safaris.^[16] Kynoch's patents and collaborations further drove progress, notably through joint efforts with Nobel Industries in the 1890s to load cordite—a smokeless propellant combining nitroglycerin and guncotton—into cartridges, optimizing burn rates for military rifles.^[2] By the 1950s, Kynoch implemented non-corrosive primers using lead styphnate compounds, eliminating the hygroscopic salts in earlier formulations that caused barrel rust, thus improving long-term storage and maintenance for sporting ammunition.^[26] These innovations profoundly impacted military reliability, particularly with the .303 Mk VII cartridge, developed in collaboration with British ordnance and optimized for Lee-Enfield rifles to deliver a 174-grain spitzer bullet at 2,440 feet per second for flatter trajectories and better terminal ballistics in combat.^[27] Kynoch's production of this load enhanced infantry effectiveness during both World Wars by minimizing jams and maximizing effective range up to 600 yards.^[24]

The Kynoch Press

Establishment as In-House Printer

The Kynoch Press was founded in 1876 at Witton, Birmingham, by George Kynoch as an in-house printing operation to support his ammunition manufacturing firm, Kynoch & Co., which had been established in 1862 for producing percussion caps and related products.^[28]^[29] From its inception, the press concentrated on printing cartridge wrappers and labels for both sporting and military ammunition, essential for packaging and branding the company's products.^[30] Early operations relied on lithography techniques to generate colorful, eye-catching designs that enhanced the visual appeal of the packaging and distinguished Kynoch's offerings in a competitive market.^[30] With a modest staff drawn from the local Birmingham printing trade, the facility initially operated on a small scale, producing in-house publicity materials such as promotional inserts and basic sales aids integrated with Kynoch's sales department to streamline internal communications.^[29] During the 1880s and 1890s, as Kynoch's ammunition production scaled up amid rising demand for sporting cartridges and military contracts, the press expanded its scope to include illustrated catalogs and advertising ephemera, reflecting the company's broader promotional needs.^[28] This period marked a steady increase in output, with the press generating millions of labels annually to keep pace with the manufacturing volume, while maintaining its core role in supporting the firm's packaging requirements.^[30]

Growth into Commercial Operations

In the early 1900s, the Kynoch Press began transitioning from its role as an internal printing operation for the munitions company to a more independent entity capable of handling external work. Under the leadership of Donald Hope from 1900 to 1921, the press modernized its facilities by acquiring Monotype equipment, which allowed for more precise and efficient typesetting. This period also saw the hiring of skilled typographers to elevate production quality, and the opening of a London office in Westminster to facilitate broader commercial outreach.^[31]^[32] By the 1920s, the press had significantly expanded, employing over 200 staff and securing contracts beyond its parent company's needs, including government printing during World War I and collaborations with entities like the Design Industries Association. Herbert Simon's appointment in 1922 further drove this growth, as he emphasized craftsmanship and modern equipment, attracting prestigious clients such as the Nonesuch Press—which commissioned 13 titles—and the BBC. This shift marked the press's emergence as a respected commercial printer, balancing its origins in in-house label and advertising production with growing external demands.^[31]^[33] Technological advancements in the 1930s solidified the press's commercial viability. The introduction of offset lithography around 1938, under Michael Clapham, enabled more versatile and cost-effective production, while improvements in color printing capabilities allowed for high-quality book illustrations and promotional materials. These upgrades, combined with the addition of typefaces like Times Roman, positioned the press to compete in the fine press market.^[31] By the 1940s, following the 1926 merger into Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), the Kynoch Press had developed a balanced business model, dedicating a majority of its work to in-house ICI requirements while taking on external commissions. This diversification, supported by its reputation for fine press quality and meticulous typesetting, ensured resilience amid wartime constraints and postwar recovery, as evidenced by projects like the Coventry Cathedral publications.^[31]^[33]

Notable Publications and Closure

The Kynoch Press produced several notable publications that highlighted its expertise in technical and fine printing. One key output was the Kynoch Journal Concerning Guns and Ammunition, a technical periodical launched in the 1890s that provided detailed information on firearms and cartridges, with surviving issues such as the July-September 1904 volume featuring extensive articles and illustrations.^[34] The press also created fine editions, including its renowned annual notebooks and diaries from the 1930s onward, which were illustrated by prominent British artists like Eric Ravilious and Edward Bawden, blending functional design with artistic engravings.^[35] External commissions included high-profile works such as Bob Gill's New York in 1963, printed for the Designers and Art Directors Association, showcasing the press's capabilities in modern graphic design.^[36] During its peak in the 1940s to 1960s, under managers John Kennedy and Wallis Heath, the Kynoch Press focused on modernizing operations and carving out a niche in quality book production, earning praise for its typography and standards within the British printing industry.^[37] This era saw the press handling a diverse range of commercial jobs, including catalogs and illustrated volumes, contributing to its reputation for excellence in fine printing.^[38] The press began to decline in the 1970s amid rising competition from emerging digital printing technologies and ICI's broader cost-cutting initiatives during an economic recession.^[39] By 1981, under manager Harry Wainwright, insufficient work and a failed management buyout led to its closure, with around 50 staff remaining at the time.^[38] The legacy of the Kynoch Press endures through archival collections of its materials, including type specimens and printed ephemera, held in Birmingham libraries and institutions like Birmingham City University.^[40] Its influence on UK fine printing is evident in the enduring appreciation for its illustrated diaries and contributions to typographic standards during the mid-20th century.^[37]

Legacy and Successors

Kynamco Ltd

Kynamco Ltd was incorporated on 29 September 1994 by David Little, a long-term employee of the Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) group, with the aim of reviving the historic Kynoch ammunition trademark under license from Eley Limited following the brand's dormancy after ICI's corporate changes.^[16] The company operates independently of the original ICI structure, focusing exclusively on the licensed use of the Kynoch name for modern production. Based in a purpose-built facility in Mildenhall, Suffolk, England, Kynamco established operations to address the demand for ammunition compatible with vintage sporting rifles.^[41] The company's core operations center on the manufacture of high-quality sporting ammunition in obsolete calibers ranging from .240 to .700, specializing in recreations of classic British designs for big-game hunting and historical firearms. Kynamco provides ballistic testing services, utilizing an on-site shooting range and loading laboratories to ensure performance matches original specifications while incorporating modern components for safety and reliability. Products emphasize nitro express cartridges, such as the .303 Mk VII ball and the .470 Nitro Express, loaded with contemporary smokeless powders, boxer primers, and premium bullets like Woodleigh Weldcore soft-nose or solids to replicate historical external ballistics in older rifles with varying bore dimensions.^[42] Kynamco distributes Kynoch-branded ammunition globally, with availability through specialized retailers and exporters serving markets in the United States and beyond via partners like M.W. Reynolds. The company maintains an active presence on social media platforms to engage with enthusiasts and announce product developments. However, on May 29, 2025, Kynamco Limited entered creditors' voluntary liquidation, which remains ongoing as of November 2025, marking the end of its independent operations under the current structure.^[43]^[44]

Brand Continuations in Other Sectors

The Kynoch brand, originally established in the 1850s by George Kynoch in Birmingham, England, as a manufacturer of explosives and ammunition, found a significant continuation in the agricultural sector through its South African operations. In 1919, following an oversupply of explosives after World War I, the company repurposed its Umbogintwini facility near Durban—the site of South Africa's first explosives plant built in 1908—into the nation's inaugural chemical fertilizer production unit, focusing on superphosphate. This marked the birth of Kynoch Fertilizer as a dedicated branch, leveraging byproduct technologies from munitions to support the growing mining and farming industries in Southern Africa.^[45]^[46] Through its integration into African Explosives and Chemical Industries (AE&CI) in the 1920s—a merger of Kynoch's South African arm with similar entities—the brand maintained historical ties to Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), which held a 50% stake in AE&CI from the 1920s until 1998. This connection facilitated advancements in chemical processes applicable to both explosives and fertilizers, though the South African fertilizer operations increasingly diverged from munitions production. By the mid-20th century, amid post-colonial shifts and decolonization in the 1950s and beyond, Kynoch Fertilizer fully transitioned into agribusiness, emphasizing soil enhancement over industrial explosives, with no ongoing links to ammunition manufacturing.^[4] In the 21st century, Kynoch Fertilizer operates as a leading importer, blender, and distributor of granular, liquid, and specialty fertilizers across Southern Africa, serving diverse crops such as maize, citrus, and vegetables through facilities at key ports like Durban and Cape Town. Acquired by Export Trading Group (ETG) in 2014, the brand has expanded into precision agriculture innovations, including OptimiZers™ for enhanced nutrient efficiency and foliar products like OEMFF®, while sourcing materials globally to meet regional demands. This evolution underscores a complete pivot to sustainable farming solutions, positioning Kynoch as a prominent player in Africa's fertilizer market without any residual involvement in defense sectors.^[45]^[47]^[46] Beyond agriculture, the Kynoch name persists in niche applications through historical chemical legacies and modern collectibles. Licensing of the brand for memorabilia, such as vintage advertising items and cartridge replicas, appears in collector markets, evoking its industrial heritage without active production ties. These uses highlight the brand's enduring recognition in sectors influenced by its early chemical innovations, though they remain peripheral to its primary agricultural focus.^[48]^[49]

References

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Jun 27, 2023 · 1863 George Kynoch took over the business and the company began to manufacture percussion caps and later going on to manufacture metallic ...
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History of Kynoch Part 1 - Staffs Home Guard
1882 By this time, after just twenty years, George Kynoch owns the second largest ammunition factory in Great Britain on a site of 24 acres, a brass rolling ...
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Jul 30, 2014 · Kynoch, based in Witton, was a munitions manufacturer. One of its products was the .303” cartridge. During the war seven billion of these ...Missing: ammunition | Show results with:ammunition
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Sep 11, 2025 · 1900s By the early years the firm had ten factories in Birmingham, Kynochtown in Essex, Barnsley and Ireland, producing explosives, engines, ...
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Jun 27, 2023 · 1977 One part of the business was Imperial Metal Industries (Kynoch). 1978 Became fully independent of ICI when ICI sold its remaining interest.
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George Kynoch (1834-1891) of G. Kynoch and Co, ammunition manufacturer. 1834 August 22nd. Born at Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, the youngest son of John Kynoch, ...
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Kynoch Ltd | Science Museum Group Collection
Formed in 1862 in Witton, Birmingham to make percussion caps by George Kynoch. In 1884 it became G. Kynoch & Co Ltd and began manufacturing metallic ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
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The establishment of the Kynoch explosives factory in Arklow was due to the vision and ambition of two men, Arthur Chamberlain and AT Cocking.
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Oct 27, 2024 · "In the late 1890's both Eley and Kynoch had segued to the new smokeless powder called Cordite. Loads ranging from 65 to 100 grains of powder ...
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Aug 29, 2023 · Nobel Industries Limited was a major explosives business, established in Scotland by Alfred Nobel, chemist and industrialist, the inventor of dynamite and ...
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Mar 18, 2020 · Kynoch & Co. of Lion Works, Witton near Birmingham was founded by George Kynoch who started making explosives, in a small way in 1851. These ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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A female worker manufacturing .303-inch ammunition cartridges at ...
Apr 14, 2023 · The Kynoch works at Witton in Birmingham was at one time turning out 25 million rounds of ammunition a week for Britain's Armed Forces · No ...Ķynoch's Works began when George Kynock a Scottish ... - Facebook**c1910 WEST FOOTSCRAY VIC KYNOCH LTD AMMUNITION ...More results from www.facebook.com
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The Kynoch Press was founded as a company press in 1876 to print packaging. To manage publicity, the company set it up as a fine press, which, when Kynoch ...
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WWII 50 Caliber Headstamps
... 20,000 employees working at Witton by 1943 and was a prime target for the Luftwaffe during WWII. THE CASINGS SHOWN BELOW ARE .55 CALIBER AND NOT .50 CALIBER ...Missing: workers | Show results with:workers
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Brief History: In 1856 the Scottish entrepreneur, George Kynoch, joined Pursall & Phillips who operated a percussion cap factory in Whittall Street, Birmingham.Missing: ownership | Show results with:ownership
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Oct 16, 2020 · Founder George Kynoch who established the most famous company to ever produce sporting metallic ammunition.
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ICI sold its remaining 62 percent interest in IMI in 1977. By that time, IMI ... Ltd., and its share of Mapegaz-Remati S.A. The company received £13.5 million ...
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With the exception of naval ammunition, World War II Japanese ammunition does not appear to regularly exhibit head stamps, particularly the handgun cartridges.
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Modern powder has been blended and tested with a wide range of boxer primers to obtain both the correct internal and external ballistics.
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Feb 23, 2021 · The factory was built by the well-known ammunition firm 'Kynoch' in 1895 and it opened two years later. It produced generally speaking every ...
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Check types 2, 3, and possibly 5 could equally belong to Kynoch Limited's initial factory, the Lion Works located at Witton in Birmingham. Check type 5 is ...
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7.7 x 56R : Kynoch ; .303 British, Mk 7 'Small Mark
The designation 'Small Mark' indicates that this Mk VII round was found to have some small imperfection which rendered it unsuitable for military service.
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Between the wars, Kynoch (the only manufacturer of centerfire sporting rifle ammunition in the UK after 1920) introduced steel-jacketed solids, as well as steel ...
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Assume that all ammunition with the year shown or earlier is CORROSIVE. Assume that all with headstamp date higher than the year shown is NON-CORROSIVE.
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303 British Service Cartridge By Roy Tebbutt
In 1910 the 174 grain pointed Mark VII bullet was adopted and the muzzle velocity was increased to 2440 feet per second. This mark of bullet remained the ...
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THE KYNOCH PRESS was founded in Witton, Birmingham, in 1876 by George. Kynoch to service Kynoch & Co., a firm established in 1862 to manufacture percussion ...
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It was begun in 1876 as an adjunct to Kynoch & Co., a munitions factory that required printing services for producing wrappers and labels for sporting and ...
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[PDF] 85 Books in Review / Comptes renclus Ruari McLean. True to Type
It was begun in 1876 as an adjunct to Kynoch & Co., a munitions factory that required printing services for producing wrappers and labels for sporting and ...
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The story of the UK's Kynoch Press which, over 100 years, developed from an unknown in-plant printing house into a full-fledged business with a reputation ...Missing: 1940s external
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The Kynoch Journal Concerning Guns And Ammunition · Author: KYNOCH · Year: July-Sept 1904 · Publisher: The Kynoch Press · Summary: 118 to 171 pages, Large 8vo ...
[37]
Birmingham Kynoch Press – Notebook & Diaries - The Iron Room
Jul 9, 2018 · ... Kynoch Printing Press. The Kynoch Press was a Birmingham printing press based in Witton, initially established as the in-house printing team ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[38]
BOB GILL'S NEW YORK. London: The Kynoch Press and Designers ...
His early work included illustrations for Esquire, Architectural Forum, Fortune, Seventeen, The Nation, children's books and film titles. He won a New York Art ...Missing: publications | Show results with:publications
[39]
Part I - The Cambridge History of the Book in Britain
Jun 8, 2019 · Following a fire at their works in 1880 the firm established a separate printing and binding works in 1907 which was using six Bauer rotary ...
[40]
KYNOCH PRESS: THE ANATOMY OF A PRINTING HOUSE
$$24.98 In stockThe history of the Kynoch Press that Caroline Archer offers is a result of exhaustive research, enriched by personal accounts from surviving staff which give a ...Missing: years lithography labels
[41]
The Kynoch Press: The Anatomy of a Printing House ... - Project MUSE
The press's facility with typesets is thoroughly examined by Caroline Archer's acute and succinct history of Kynoch, The Kynoch Press: The Anatomy of a Printing ...
[42]
Caroline Archer-Parré - Birmingham City University
I am the author of three books, including The Kynoch Press 1876-1981: the anatomy of a printing house (British Library), Tart Cards: London's illicit ...Missing: legacy | Show results with:legacy<|control11|><|separator|>
[43]
Kynoch back in production - General Ammunition Collector Discussion
Sep 30, 2008 · Kynoch ammunition is back in production from a company called Kynamco Ltd, The Old Railway Station, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 &DT England.Missing: expansion acquisitions mergers 1890s 1900s
[44]
Kynamco - Overview, News & Similar companies | ZoomInfo.com
Kynamco offers virtually the whole range of classic British Nitro Express from it's in a purpose-built factory which incorporates loading laboratories, ...
[45]
About Us - Kynoch Fertilizer
George Kynoch & Co first opened its doors in Birmingham, England in the 1850s where it manufactured explosives and ammunition.
[46]
Kynoch and the company they are today - ProAgri
Jan 5, 2023 · Named after its founder, George Kynoch, the Kynoch brand has been part of agriculture in Southern Africa for the last 104 years.
[47]
Fertilizer - ETG
With the acquisition of Kynoch Fertilizer in 2014, ETG has revolutionized its inputs offering, introducing cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.Missing: ownership Omnia
[48]
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/three-rare-or-unusual-items-of-kynoch-ltd-birming-326-c-03d4056bea
[49]
*Rare Kynoch Gun Factory Patent Model .476 - Proxibid
Bid in a Proxibid online auction to acquire a *Rare Kynoch Gun Factory Patent Model .476 from REATA PASS AUCTIONS INC.