Possible ??? Native American use Musket.
 

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.

More photographs.

The use of reptile skin for one of the bands is certainly reminiscent of African items.

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.

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.

Hi Colin,
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.

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.

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.

I would say Mali or Congo....

http://theresalwaysmoretolearn.blogs...illage-of.html

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.

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

It looks like one of monitor lizards (varan) hide. The range where the African locals used this hide is very wide. If I may guess in it could most probably be from Equator to the Tropic of Cancer and from Senegal to Ethiopian borders with Sudan

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.

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

Hi Ed,
I will have another look re your suggestion. Thanks for your interest.
My Regards,
Norman.