Ruby de Fontenoy (Ruby Blackledge, active 1913-1916), ‘America’s most famous lady shot’ and former assistant to Gaston Bordeverry
Baptiste Gaston Bordeverry (professionally known as Colonel Gason Gordeverry, expert shot) of 57 Boulevard de Strasburg, Paris, died on 20 May 1913 at the Sanatorium, Durban, South Africa. His will was proved in London on 29 October 1913 by Ruby Blackledge, spinster. The value of his effects amounted to £96 14s. 9d.
‘NEW!! NEW!! NEW!! EVERYWHERE. A REAL NOVELTY.
‘Mlle. RUBY DE FONTENOY (Bordeverry).
‘CHAMPION GIRL SHOT OF THE WORLD, IN HER UNIQUE SHOOTING ACT.
‘MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLAY WITH REPEATING RIFLES.
‘DISROBING THE HUMAN TARGET.
‘These feats have never before been accomplished by any lady. No tricks. No freak weapons used. ‘No fake. Own scenery. Three people Act.
‘CHALLENGE! CHALLENGE! CHALLENGE!
‘Miss de Fontenoy challenges all Sharpshooters, ladies or gents, ot meet her at any distance.
‘She claims to present the best shooting act in the World, and wishes to satisfy all that she is entitled to use the word CHAMPION.
‘Booking Managers see this act at the EMPRESS, BRIXTON, the week of April 27 [1914]
‘Communications to RUBY DE FONTENOY, 20, Gerrard Street, London, W.C., or principal agents.
The hit of the Bill at the East Ham Palace last week.’
(The Era, London, Wednesday, 22 April 1914, p. 17, advertisement)
New Palace music hall, Manchester, week of Monday, 30 November 1914
‘Deputising for one of the advertised turns Ruby de Fontenoy showed her expertness with the rifle by making “bulls” just when she liked and playing several tunes by means of shooting at a kind of musical bells with a repeating rifle. Altogether her display was very clever.’
(Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, Manchester, Tuesday, 1 December 1914, p. 2e)
http://www.europeana.eu/portal/record/2021603/teylers_col28_dat6973_TEY0010002048.html
Footlight Notes 