A gun and a bullet were among the historic finds made during a recent renovation of one of Bermuda’s oldest buildings.

The discovery was made at Verdmont, in Smith’s, by Bermuda National Trust staff.

The extensively corroded bullet was found in one of the property’s four chimney stacks during a search by the BNT ahead of upgrades to the property.

The handgun – also heavily corroded – was found in trenches on the grounds of the property shortly after.

The BNT posted news of the find, along with photographs of the objects, on its Facebook page.

The post read: “A bullet was the last thing we expected to find during our search of the chimney stacks at Verdmont, as we prepared for upgrades to the building which began in January.

“How, why and when the bullet was tucked away in the parlour chimney is likely to remain a mystery for ever, but it does seem to be a risky place to store something explosive!

“Just few weeks later in February, this small handgun was found during the excavation of trenches around the house.

“At present, the metal is too corroded to ascertain the age and manufacturer, however the barrel and weight indicate it is a toy.

“Interestingly, Elizabeth Dickinson, wife of the original owner and builder of Verdmont, lost her previous husband, Henry Fyfield, in a duel in 1691.

“Most duels were fought to settle a point of honour, but unfortunately we have no record as to what this battle was about, where it took place or whom Fyfield faced off against.

“However, like many women of the time, Elizabeth didn’t remain single for long after his death and married John Dickinson in 1693.”