Algerian Musket - Restored

rickystl · 9th May 2015, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Excellent notes Ibrahiim!
It has always amazed me that with these wonderfully historic arms, all attention is focused on appearance, value, condition but the mere mention of markings is typically ignored. In my view, all aspects of a weapon should be equally attended.
It was interesting that your observations on that Algerian gun mark revealed striking similarities to those curious marks found on some of the blades on Red Sea swords.
Without directing too much attention to these markings on the blades, it would be interesting to know if anyone has more on those seen on this musket.

This one on the musket seems more pronounced and definable, while some of those others including the one shown by Mr. Blalock seem highly stylized, almost reminiscent of the 'twig' or similar marks from various trade blades.

Best regards,
Jim

Hi Jim
Thanks for your input on this Thread. That Ibrahiim was able to identify this mark, with links to the Red Sea region, and add to this Thread is most appreciated. And an unexpected surprise.

Now I need to investigate if any other markings exist on the other Algerian locks in my collection.
Meantime, here is a lock marking from another Algerian musket in my collection. It is a different mark, but in the same location as the first. Maybe someone can identify this one?
Thanks again for any assistance.
Rick.

Jim McDougall · 10th May 2015, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickystl

Hi Jim
Thanks for your input on this Thread. That Ibrahiim was able to identify this mark, with links to the Red Sea region, and add to this Thread is most appreciated. And an unexpected surprise.

Now I need to investigate if any other markings exist on the other Algerian locks in my collection.
Meantime, here is a lock marking from another Algerian musket in my collection. It is a different mark, but in the same location as the first. Maybe someone can identify this one?
Thanks again for any assistance.
Rick.

Hi Rick,
Absolutely, and thank you for continuing the impetus of this thread by seeking other examples along with Corrado. The observations by Ibrahiim indeed reveal there are certain similarities which might give us a better idea of the scope and dynamics of arms trade in these regions.

While my focus has typically been on edged weapons and makers marks and inscriptions mostly European, I have found that often many clues and important details reside with material on firearms. Case in point with Elgood's excellent book on Islamic firearms.....his footnotes are a treasure trove of encyclopedic data!

Often of course various trade entrepots handled all types of arms, and comparing marks on all can many times give us key details.

All best regards,
Jim

rickystl · 10th May 2015, 09:09 PM

Well, I have three more locks to post here. Since I posted two above, we'll call these locks 3,4, and 5. I'll post #5 separately, since it is the most interesting.
#3 here is another "parts" lock with it's mark on the bottom.
#4 lock is complete and in good condition, but needs additional cleaning. With it's mark.

rickystl · 10th May 2015, 09:24 PM

Here is lock #5. At one time this had to be a beautiful lock. It is a bit larger than others that I've seen. It's complete,with the exception of the crude copper replacement wing. The lock plate has brass overlay on BOTH sides of the plate. It has some brass, but mostly silver inlay/overlay throughout. Even the bottom of the mainspring has genuine silver inlay, most of which is still present. The dog safety catch at the rear has what's left of a "pink" stone, so famous with Algerian guns.
There are three marks on the bottom of the lock. Two engraved in brass plates, the other in a silver plate. Only lock I've ever seen marked this way. Maybe someone can translate? Thanks for looking. Rick.

rickystl · 10th May 2015, 09:26 PM

And the rest for lock #5. Very cool markings!!!

corrado26 · 11th May 2015, 09:58 AM

Hi Rick, thanks a lot for posting these interesting fotos, especially the underside of the mainspring with its silver inlay and the brass cover at the inside is most remarkable. This shows the pleasure of the gunsmith while making this lock and demonstrating his skillfullness. Very impressive. I like these locks very much, much more than the long guns they are belonging to
corrado26

rickystl · 16th May 2015, 05:43 PM

Hi Corado.
Yes, notice the silver is genuine inlay, not just painted on. Only one I've ever seen with the mainspring like this. And the marks/signatures (3) on the bottom are especially interesting being done with inlays. Hope someone can translate them? Just wish this lock was in the condition of yours. LOL.
Thanks again for your comments. And, again, your lock is the only one I've seen with the fancy chisel and file work on the mainspring.
Rick.

10th May 2015, 09:09 PM	#3
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,630	Well, I have three more locks to post here. Since I posted two above, we'll call these locks 3,4, and 5. I'll post #5 separately, since it is the most interesting. #3 here is another "parts" lock with it's mark on the bottom. #4 lock is complete and in good condition, but needs additional cleaning. With it's mark. Attached Images

10th May 2015, 09:24 PM	#4
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,630	Here is lock #5. At one time this had to be a beautiful lock. It is a bit larger than others that I've seen. It's complete,with the exception of the crude copper replacement wing. The lock plate has brass overlay on BOTH sides of the plate. It has some brass, but mostly silver inlay/overlay throughout. Even the bottom of the mainspring has genuine silver inlay, most of which is still present. The dog safety catch at the rear has what's left of a "pink" stone, so famous with Algerian guns. There are three marks on the bottom of the lock. Two engraved in brass plates, the other in a silver plate. Only lock I've ever seen marked this way. Maybe someone can translate? Thanks for looking. Rick. Attached Images

10th May 2015, 09:26 PM	#5
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,630	And the rest for lock #5. Very cool markings!!! Attached Images

11th May 2015, 09:58 AM	#6
corrado26 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Black Forest, Germany Posts: 1,226	Hi Rick, thanks a lot for posting these interesting fotos, especially the underside of the mainspring with its silver inlay and the brass cover at the inside is most remarkable. This shows the pleasure of the gunsmith while making this lock and demonstrating his skillfullness. Very impressive. I like these locks very much, much more than the long guns they are belonging to corrado26

16th May 2015, 05:43 PM	#7
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,630	Hi Corado. Yes, notice the silver is genuine inlay, not just painted on. Only one I've ever seen with the mainspring like this. And the marks/signatures (3) on the bottom are especially interesting being done with inlays. Hope someone can translate them? Just wish this lock was in the condition of yours. LOL. Thanks again for your comments. And, again, your lock is the only one I've seen with the fancy chisel and file work on the mainspring. Rick.