Commercial Travellers & Guns in the 1920s

[nbourkie]

Hi all,

I'm currently researching my ancestor Martin William Bourke (b.1885)

He was a commercial traveller from Sydney, NSW in 1920s. I understand they were 'on the road salesmen' but is there any way I can find out who he worked for and where he went? Would really appreciate some suggestions for where to search.

Second question is, how common was it for blokes to have guns back in 1920s Sydney? Curious to know because Martin committed suicide using a revolver.

Naomi

[Jamjar]

He shot himself after he had shot Mrs Ogilvie 4 times: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article43913616

After WW1 guns readily available I would think. If you do a search on Trove “shooting in Sydney” you’ll find quite a few instances of shootings with revolvers. Was common in late 1800s, also.

One such case in 1920: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127971042

Jamjar

[rosball]

Hi Naomi,

This article says he was a commercial traveller for the Sheldon ? Drug Company, Clarence St
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163392869

Ros

[cupoflife]

http://www.eoas.info/biogs/A001414b.htm
The Sheldon Drug Company was established in 1904. The Company are manufacturing chemists and their products include cosmetic and toilet preparations. Up until 1929 Sheldon were manufacturers of Rexona products - Unilever has since bought the rights to produce these products. Sheldon Drug Company remained registered with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission in 2006.

Sheldon Drug Company (trove advertisements and articles)
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/result?sortby=dateAsc&q=%22Sheldon+Drug+Company%22&l-state=New+South+Wales

Seems to be still registered https://abr.business.gov.au/SearchByAbn.aspx?abn=19000021170
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sheldon-Drug-Company-Pty-Ltd/911208528977949

[maddys52]

Second question is, how common was it for blokes to have guns back in 1920s Sydney? Curious to know because Martin committed suicide using a revolver.

Naomi

I heard an item on the ABC radio last week about violence in Sydney during this period. Apparently pistol licencing came into force in 1927 with automatic gaol sentence for anyone carrying unlicenced guns (which then led to razor gang crimes). The pistol licencing act was a response to the number of gun related incidents, so yes, I imagine it wasn't unusual to own a gun in the 1920s.

[Macushla]

If you can stomach the acting  , the series Underbelly: Razor depicts the gang violence in Sydney during the 1920s.

[nbourkie]

Wow, thank you for all the responses!

I remember hearing something about him shooting a mistress but those articles really confirm the family rumour. How tragic...

Thanks for the links. They helped a great deal. Very interesting information on Martin and gun violence in the 20s. I'm now gathering as many articles as I can find.

I may watch a few episodes of Underbelly to get a general idea (although it does look a bit violent for me)

Really appreciate all the help, everyone.

Naomi

[cupoflife]

SMH 4Mar1926 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16262019
MATRAVILLE TRAGEDY.
According to a report received from the Coast Hospital late last night, there has been no change in the condition of Mrs. Nancy Burt Sneddon Ogilvie, of 15 Arthur-street, Randwick, who was seriously wounded by William Bourke in the tragic shooting affray at a lonely spot on the Long Bay-roud, Matraville, late on Tuesday night. The medical officers at the institution regard Mrs. Ogilvie's condition as very serious, but they express every hope for her recovery.

Kalgoorlie Miner 15April1926 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/93887048
Evidence At Inquest

There are quite a few articles on trove http://www.rootschat.com/links/01ly8/
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/208130997
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/168725437
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/195640344
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/214789065

[Macushla]

Off topic, but Naomi, is it you in your avatar? She is so beautiful, and a dreamy dress!