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The National Rifle Association prize meeting at Wimbledon:...the Horatio Ross Prize, 1865. Creator: Unknown
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The National Rifle Association prize meeting at Wimbledon:...the Horatio Ross Prize, 1865. Creator: Unknown
The National Rifle Association prize meeting at Wimbledon:...the Horatio Ross Prize, 1865. '...for a combined performance of running, loading, and firing...The competitor, in his 'stocking feet,' having his spiked ramrod stuck in the ground, lies down on a cork mattrass and prepares to fire his first shot. The officer in charge...begins to count the five minutes...As soon as the first shot is fired, the shooter, rising up, loads, with almost inconceivable rapidity, from a flask...the loading finished, the man lies down, fires again, and then, rising up, is...apprised of the result of his shot, while loading with powder only. The powder rammed home, he takes rifle and loader...and starts off like a hare to run round the post fifty yards distant, which he must do before he can fire another shot. But, while running to the post, he has fished out a bullet from his pocket, and...enters the bullet into the bore, introduces the head of the ramrod, and is ready to resume his full speed in running back, ramming home the while. The instant he reaches the mattrass he casts himself headlong down, takes aim, fires, loads, fires again...The endurance, speed, and skill of hand and eye required in this remarkable match are exceedingly great".' From "Illustrated London News", 1865
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Media ID 38686249
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Association British Army Competition Fast Loading National Rifle Association Quick Ramrod Rifle Rifles Running Shooting Sock Socks Speed Wimbledon Common Wimbledon Merton London England Armed Services
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EDITORS COMMENTS
**A Test of Endurance: The Horatio Ross Prize, Wimbledon**
In this photograph, taken in 1865 at the National Rifle Association prize meeting at Wimbledon, a competitor lies down on a cork mattress to prepare for his shot. With spiked ramrod stuck in the ground beside him, he's about to embark on an impressive display of speed and skill.
As the officer counts down five minutes from start, our athlete rises up, loads his rifle with incredible rapidity from a flask, and then lies back down to fire again - all while simultaneously loading with powder only. The real challenge begins when he must run 50 yards to reach the post before firing another shot.
With remarkable agility, he sprints towards the target, expertly managing to extract a bullet from his pocket mid-run and load it into the rifle's bore. As soon as he reaches the mattress again, he dives headfirst down, takes aim, fires twice more - an astonishing feat of endurance that showcases not only physical prowess but also exceptional hand-eye coordination.
This remarkable match is a testament to human potential in 1865 Wimbledon, where competitors pushed their limits and demonstrated extraordinary skill. The photograph captures this momentous event with clarity and precision, allowing us to relive the excitement and marvel at the athletes' incredible abilities.
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