Apprentice Harpischord Maker

[Megan Roberts]

In the Ancestry data set "UK, Register of Duties Paid for Apprentices' Indentures, 1710-1811" there is an entry in 1735 for Joseph Mahoon of St Martins in the Fields taking an apprentice John son of John Moore of ................. Gent.

Am I wrong to be surprised to see the son of a "Gent" being apprenticed?

[Waitabit]

I'd love to see this query answered.
Having noticed the word 'Gent' applied to many seemingly unassuming chaps in the censuses, I'd gathered that the word was applied not only to the 'think they ares' but also to men who had worked their way into a postion of some worth, be it a land owner, business owner or just a darn nice fellow nor dependant on others for his welfare.

Wouldn't any man who had the coin be happy to see his son in an apprenticeship for future stablilty?