![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,592
|
![]()
Hi All,
I have acquired a rather well used musket which may or may not have been used by a Native American. It would appear to have been originally a flintlock which has been 'blacksmith' converted to percussion lock. The original ramrod is missing and a 'blacksmith' forged replacement is in its stead. The tacks are iron and not brass (magnet tested), some of them are missing but you can see where these have been. I know some African muskets were decorated with tacks also it is not one of the recognised trade type muskets. I will let the photographs tell the rest and I look forward to your thoughts. Regards, Norman. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,592
|
![]()
More photographs.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 1,614
|
![]()
The use of reptile skin for one of the bands is certainly reminiscent of African items.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 | |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,592
|
![]() Quote:
My thoughts too but then again plenty of reptiles in N.America. I must admit the reptile skin has thrown me a bit but if it could be I.D. it would be positive proof of origin. Thanks for your input. Regards, Norman. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,430
|
![]()
Hi Norman
The reptile skin and hide bindings, along with the general patina, certainly have more of an African "look" to me, rather than Native American... Regards. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 | |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,592
|
![]() Quote:
Looks that way and as I am in the U.K. it would make more sense although it is not unusual to get Native American bits here particularly from what is now Canada and that's what prompted me to opine the possibility of Native American origin. Regards, Norman. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,430
|
![]()
As an aside ... there are some very interesting talks by "Bad Hand" (Living History School) on YouTube, in which he says American Indians would often not bother with ramrods on their muskets, for rapid loading/firing on horseback... They would also commonly cut the barrel down short, he says.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 425
|
![]()
It occurs to me that it might hail from south of the (US) border; no shortage of reptiles there.
I confess ignorance of the possible use of reptile hides in that part of the world, however. Just speculation. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,145
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,592
|
![]()
Thank-you for your insights gentlemen. I know the African attribution is by far the most likely and I'm going to approach the Zoological Dept of my local university to try and determine exactly what species supplied the hide barrel band and therefore the origin of the piece.
Regards, Norman. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 2,731
|
![]()
Hi Norman,
In the 4th pic from the top, is that something written/impressed into the centre of the side plate, or is it just the way the light is playing on the surface? Looks like 3 impressions. Stu |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 | |
Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Czech Republic
Posts: 841
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,592
|
![]()
Hi Stu,
Apologies for the late reply. On close inspection the marks are just the result of corrosion and unfortunately not makers stamps. Hi Martin, Thanks for the suggestions, it gives me something to go on. Regards to you Both, Norman. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 407
|
![]()
Norman,
The nail placements show no rational/artistic pattern. One has 5 nails (one is missing, but point remains); the other has 8, but looks like maybe 3 are missing. They are remindful of star constellations and could give the piece some sort of meaning. Just a thought. Regards, Ed |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,592
|
![]()
Hi Ed,
I will have another look re your suggestion. Thanks for your interest. My Regards, Norman. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|