another breech-loading post

Shakethetrees · 11th September 2014, 12:08 AM

Interesting question.

I would look at early photographs by Beato of the Taku Forts after battle. Somewhere I have a book with these images, but my books are still in disarray since my move recently.

Beato was one of the first combat /propaganda photographers, and the first in China.

Today he has been excoriated by academics for "posing", or staging his shots for better effect.

That said, they are still a wonderful record of that time.

I will see what I can turn up, but it might not be for a few days.

Shakethetrees · 11th September 2014, 01:15 AM

Were in luck!

I found the book forts place I looked.

Beato's title to this image is:

"Head Quarter Staff- Pegtang Fort, between August 2-12, 1860."

This is one of his staged photos. He did several pictures from different vantage points, and, indeed, you can see things were shifted for effect.

But I digress.

There is a large gun made of wood and leather in the foreground that I think may be in the Invalides in Paris. If it's not the samegun, it is very close. Next to it is a small breech loading gun. The image is somewhat fuzzy, and my scan ain't much better, but it appears to be iron, as it appears to be banded.

There might be a small, iron breech loading gun similar to the one you're researching in the Invalides as well. (If my memory serves me.)

Next time I go there I will try to get pictures, but that will not be for some time.

Maybe another forumite living closer might be able to get a picture.

11th September 2014, 01:15 AM	#2
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Were in luck! I found the book forts place I looked. Beato's title to this image is: "Head Quarter Staff- Pegtang Fort, between August 2-12, 1860." This is one of his staged photos. He did several pictures from different vantage points, and, indeed, you can see things were shifted for effect. But I digress. There is a large gun made of wood and leather in the foreground that I think may be in the Invalides in Paris. If it's not the samegun, it is very close. Next to it is a small breech loading gun. The image is somewhat fuzzy, and my scan ain't much better, but it appears to be iron, as it appears to be banded. There might be a small, iron breech loading gun similar to the one you're researching in the Invalides as well. (If my memory serves me.) Next time I go there I will try to get pictures, but that will not be for some time. Maybe another forumite living closer might be able to get a picture. Attached Images

11th September 2014, 12:08 AM	#1
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Interesting question. I would look at early photographs by Beato of the Taku Forts after battle. Somewhere I have a book with these images, but my books are still in disarray since my move recently. Beato was one of the first combat /propaganda photographers, and the first in China. Today he has been excoriated by academics for "posing", or staging his shots for better effect. That said, they are still a wonderful record of that time. I will see what I can turn up, but it might not be for a few days.