Combination Spear Head and Percussion Barrel

Oliver Pinchot · 17th November 2016, 07:01 AM

It had a hollow steel haft threaded at one end to mate with the head.
Inside this was fitted a mechanism consisting of a sprung plunger which struck a percussion cap fitted over the nipple when the pop-out trigger was pulled, firing the weapon. In order to cock it, you unscrewed the pommel at the butt end and gave it a smart tug. This system was used in other types of hafted weapons as well as in riding crops.

rickystl · 18th November 2016, 08:30 PM

Hi Marcus. What an interesting and beautiful weapon. Congratulations. Love the detail. Yes, too bad the lower haft is missing. That would be just as interesting. The short length of the barrel leads me to believe this was a short-range, close combat type weapon, with the lower haft being much shorter than typical spear length. Very neat item. Maybe about 1840 or later ?

Oliver: Thanks for the explanation on the firing mechanism.

Actually, I'm glad I don't own this item. I would probably be trying to figure out how to make a new lower haft to put it back in full operation. LOL

Rick

17th November 2016, 07:01 AM	#1
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 468	It had a hollow steel haft threaded at one end to mate with the head. Inside this was fitted a mechanism consisting of a sprung plunger which struck a percussion cap fitted over the nipple when the pop-out trigger was pulled, firing the weapon. In order to cock it, you unscrewed the pommel at the butt end and gave it a smart tug. This system was used in other types of hafted weapons as well as in riding crops.

18th November 2016, 08:30 PM	#2
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,633	Hi Marcus. What an interesting and beautiful weapon. Congratulations. Love the detail. Yes, too bad the lower haft is missing. That would be just as interesting. The short length of the barrel leads me to believe this was a short-range, close combat type weapon, with the lower haft being much shorter than typical spear length. Very neat item. Maybe about 1840 or later ? Oliver: Thanks for the explanation on the firing mechanism. Actually, I'm glad I don't own this item. I would probably be trying to figure out how to make a new lower haft to put it back in full operation. LOL Rick