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By Andrew Appleby (Caretaker Secretary, 1999) |
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In 1954 a group of about 20 enthusiastic collectors and shooters of "old" firearms used to meet and shoot their antique and vintage pieces, first on the sand dunes above Sandy Bay, then in a quarry near Hout Bay and later in the tunnel and dam quarry on Devil's Peak. The weapons were a mixed bunch: Winchesters; Westley Richards " Monkey Tails "; Pat 1840 Muskets; Calisher & Terry Carbine; Whitworths; Pat 1853 Enfields; Martini Henry's; Sniders; Sharps; Dutch Muskets; Ketland Brown Bess's ; Gibb's Match Rifle ; and a host of other flint, percussion and breechloading weapons. During 1958 a rift appeared amongst these gentlemen and two associations were formed, a shooting club (The South African Firearms Club) for any type of weapon and a rather specialised body, which was a combination cultural and shooting club for antique and vintage arms. Thus was formed the start of the Society, then known as The South African Muzzle Loaders Association, the nine founder members were: Brig. Louis Wolf ( Chairman ); Bill Hibbard ( Vice Chairman ); Bernie Griffin ( Secretary / Treasurer ); Barry Berkovitch; John Cheminais; Gerald Hymns; Marcus Herman; Hans Madlener and Chris Sedgwick. The aims and objectives of this newly founded organisation were: To foster an interest in antique firearms, with particular reference to those which were used in South Africa. To test and prove by practical use the capabilities of these firearms. The firing of these weapons to be carried out only within the framework of the range rules drawn up by the Executive Committee. To liase and where desirable to affiliate with other bodies anywhere in the world who share a common interest. To produce a journal in which shall be published information pertaining to antique firearms, with particular emphasis on those used in South Africa. This journal to be made available not only to members, but also to libraries, museums and other bodies, as well as the general public. To hold meetings and discussions to which non-members may be invited for the purpose mentioned in (1.) above. To endeavour to ensure that the laws of the land pertaining to firearms are known to and observed by members. To accept and administer subscriptions and dues as shall be laid down from time to time by the Executive Committee. The first meeting of the society was in September 1958 and the early meetings were held in Brig. Louis Wolf's office at Youngsfield. The aims and objectives were adhered to over the years and the history will now be split into two sections. FIRST the history of the society's shooting. In January 1959 permission was obtained to use the Bellville Military Shooting Range through the then Chairman ( Louis Wolf ). In those early days black powder was obtained by purchasing 12 Bore blanks and opening them up, Wm. Rawbone & Co ( Moe Klein ) still had stocks of percussion caps. It was illegal in those days for private persons to own gunpowder. In 1961 Brig. Wolf arranged for the society a permit to have gunpowder and he managed to find a supply of which he donated 50lbs. All powder not used on the range had to be burnt, as none could be returned to the store. In 1963 the society imported it's first stocks of Curtis & Harvey powder and stored it at Ronden's magazine. During 1959 the society had an accident when the powder flask of Marcus Herman exploded, luckily no one was hurt, from then on very stringent safety rules were enforced. In June 1961 the society affiliated to the Muzzle Loading Association of Great Britain and the U.S.A. and many postal competitions were held in those early days. In 1964 Norman Wahl and Barry Berkovitch met the then Chief Inspector of Explosives and had the then powder situation in South Africa altered, so that private individuals could obtain permits to purchase and keep powder at home, a big step for the growth of muzzle loading. In more recent times, the society became the National Union for Black Powder Shooting in South Africa and also became a full member of the 18 country strong Muzzle Loading Associations International Committee. Funds were raised from the members to send teams to International shoots where teams have won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. In addition, the society at that time also organised two International Postal Shooting Competitions. At the National Shoot in Cape Town in 1982, the society organised a shoot, with targets of the 1860's against a team who shot in 1863, this was what the aims and objectives of the society were all about. ( The Targets were donated to the Shooting Union by the society and the rules taken from it's journal). Twenty years ago the Shooting Union for Black Powder weapons in South Africa, having grown too large to fall under the society's banner, formed a separate body to govern the sport and is affiliated to the society. Such an undertaking was also made possible by a timeous and large donation from the HFSSA. They currently have seven black powder clubs throughout the country under their control. SECOND, the history of the cultural side of the organisation has been just as successful. In June 1959 the first roneo'd journal appeared, of which only 30 copies were produced, Vol.1 was later reprinted by Struik, the Africana Publishers. By June 1960 the journal was published in the format it members will well remember appearing twice per annum until 1986, when it was superseded by the newsletter. The first editor was Gerald Hymns who edited it from 1958 - 1964 and from then to July 1998 by Barry Berkovitch. In April 1962, it was decided to change the society's name to it's present form, as the previous name of the Muzzle Loading Association sounded more like a shooting club and the new name was officially registered with the Department of Heraldry in June 1963. The badge shows the silhouette of the five sided Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, the oldest building in South Africa and because of the Military and Historical Association was felt to be the ideal background, inside the quintriangle is a powder horn associated with the early frontiersmen and also a percussion hammer of the later weapon system. In 1967 it was thought that the journal should be a more cultural publication & from that decision, the Newsletter was first published with two editions appearing annually covering updated views on antique weapons, plus facts & information from different quarters. Barry Berkovitch edited this publication with his editorial committee from one journal per annum in 1964 through to two a year with his last being the June 1998 edition which was published just before his untimely death. Being a cultural body, the society has taken part in many historical pageants where firearms have been needed, and have four times been used by S.A.B.C. TV. (South African Broadcasting Corp. TV). The society has assisted many museums on the identification, display and renovation of weapons. In addition the society has during its history held four exhibitions, the first at the Cultural History Museum in Cape Town, then at the Vineyard Hotel, another at the Cultural History Museum combined with the Numismatic Society on the 100th Anniversary of the Zulu War. The fourth exhibition was another first, as it was the first Gun Trade Exhibition in the country. The society also started the rejuvenation of the 'Papegaai' (an imitation Parrot Target) shoot in Stellenbosch, of which the black shooting section was heavily involved. The society claimed another feather for its cap when funds were raised from members and a number of sponsors to restore the grave of George Kynoch in Johannesburg which was in a state of disrepair. In November 1963 the membership stood at 100 members and by the end of 1964, 183 members. Two years later this figure had grown to 397, of which 25 % lived overseas. By 1990 the membership had increased further to 650 of which 100 lived overseas in 17 different countries. Currently membership sits at around only 168 members with 12 living overseas. The Secretary is the backbone of any society and the HFSSA has had three, Bernie Griffin1958 - 1959, who started this function, Chris Sedgwick 1959 - 1964 and Barry Berkovitch 1964 - 1998. In the late 80's and 90's Gun collecting took a blow with the change in the Arms Law, with the 12 Gun Limit, all guns to be licensed even flintlocks, all firearms to be stored in a safe or strong room. The new Government hinting of a gun free society, which saw the demise of a number of collections, which were sold overseas. Older collectors dying off, no new collectors joining the fold. For these reasons the society took a nosedive & with the lack of a critical mass of members, the flow of information & support for the publication side of the society stood still & resulted in the society becoming effectively dormant. Although dormant, Barry Berkovitch still maintained communication with worldwide associations & societies, as well as key committee members in the shooting fraternity within South Africa & with the various cultural societies and centres. Barry Berkovitch & a smaller committee revived the society in 1994, which continued through to his death shortly after the publication of the June 1998 newsletter. Seeing the possible demise of the Historical Firearms Society of South Africa due to an ageing membership & committee, Barry Berkovitch approached Peter Wells of the Southern Africa Arms and Ammunition Collectors Association regarding a possible amalgamation. From those early contacts the HFSSA's membership unanimously voted for the society to be incorporated into the SAAACA. The HFSSA with its remaining members will provide a wealth of knowledge & expertise within the SAAACA & at this time, the combined membership should remember those past members who have contributed in so many different ways to their societies and now to a stronger SAAACA. (Editors note: SAAACA welcomes the members of HFSSA into the Association and trust they will be happy with us. We look forward to the benefit of their years of experience and the broadening of the scope their incorporation brings) |
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