17thC Scottish Snaphaunce Musket

Norman McCormick · 8th July 2012, 08:47 PM

Hi Rick,
I thought you would like this one. I must say I never imagined I would ever snag a piece like this. It's really nice to hold and the dark areas on the stock are worn smooth from use. There is a 2 inch difference between where the ramrod reaches down the barrel and the touchhole so maybe it's still loaded!! I did source it locally and it's been lying around in a relatively dry atmosphere, not easy up here, for a long time. I'm of the same opinion re the holes in the stock and I've attached an early decorated plate which if you look closely at the rifle sling it looks to be attached in similar areas. You are very welcome to use any of the photos and if there is any particular ones that you want and are not here just ask. Thanks again for your interest.
My Regards,
Norman.

fernando · 8th July 2012, 08:56 PM

What a fascinating plate. Is it yours, Norman ?

Norman McCormick · 8th July 2012, 09:03 PM

Hi Fernando,
Unfortunately not, found it on the net and I think it it was a sold item from one of the better auction houses but I can't be sure, wish I had taken more note of the provenance.

I think it may be contemporary i.e. late 17thC.
Kind Regards,
Norman.

rickystl · 8th July 2012, 09:14 PM

Hi Norman. Yes, the gun may indeed still have a load in the barrel.

Of course, this won't be the first old gun that was aquired still loaded. Since I have the tools needed to safely extract that load (or other obstruction) I suggest you send the gun to my house for analysis and unloading. It shouldn't take me more than a couple years.

When you lower the rod into the barrel, does it feel/sound like it's hitting something solid or soft? Rick.

Norman McCormick · 8th July 2012, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickystl

Hi Norman. Yes, the gun may indeed still have a load in the barrel.

Of course, this won't be the first old gun that was aquired still loaded. Since I have the tools needed to safely extract that load (or other obstruction) I suggest you send the gun to my house for analysis and unloading. It shouldn't take me more than a couple years.

When you lower the rod into the barrel, does it feel/sound like it's hitting something solid or soft? Rick.

Hi Rick,
Thank you so much for your "very kind offer".

It definitely is the soft thud of iron on lead. There are a few muzzleloading wallahs at my rifle club and I know they have the necessary tools to extract an un/misfired load. I would like to get the load out as carefully as possible as in itself it would be really interesting, will have a word tomorrow night and see what I can do. Thanks again.
My Regards,
Norman

rickystl · 8th July 2012, 09:57 PM

Norman: Oh great!! That sounds very encouraging. (I'm also a muzzle loading shooter). If you have one of those tiny flashlights with a bright white light, you might be able to see the ball? Its sort of a shame having to thread a hole in that original ball, but thats likely the only way you can do it. However, it would be great to see if there is original powder and ball - and maybe wadding - down there. Make sure you save it in a plastic bag. And, of course post pictures!!! Thanks again. Rick.

Norman McCormick · 9th July 2012, 01:10 PM

Hi Fernando,
Found the plate on an American auction house web catalogue. Catalogued as Chinese export plate C1745-50. I think the depictions of the people are a bit earlier and this would probably make sense as Europeans contracted Chinese workshops to make goods, porcelain especially, in the Western taste for sale in Europe ( not a lot changes ). Who knows how old the original artwork was that they were copying?
My Regards,
Norman.

8th July 2012, 08:47 PM	#1
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,618	Hi Rick, I thought you would like this one. I must say I never imagined I would ever snag a piece like this. It's really nice to hold and the dark areas on the stock are worn smooth from use. There is a 2 inch difference between where the ramrod reaches down the barrel and the touchhole so maybe it's still loaded!! I did source it locally and it's been lying around in a relatively dry atmosphere, not easy up here, for a long time. I'm of the same opinion re the holes in the stock and I've attached an early decorated plate which if you look closely at the rifle sling it looks to be attached in similar areas. You are very welcome to use any of the photos and if there is any particular ones that you want and are not here just ask. Thanks again for your interest. My Regards, Norman. Attached Images Last edited by Norman McCormick; 8th July 2012 at 09:14 PM.

8th July 2012, 08:56 PM	#2
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	What a fascinating plate. Is it yours, Norman ?

8th July 2012, 09:03 PM	#3
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,618	Hi Fernando, Unfortunately not, found it on the net and I think it it was a sold item from one of the better auction houses but I can't be sure, wish I had taken more note of the provenance. I think it may be contemporary i.e. late 17thC. Kind Regards, Norman.

8th July 2012, 09:14 PM	#4
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,632	Hi Norman. Yes, the gun may indeed still have a load in the barrel. Of course, this won't be the first old gun that was aquired still loaded. Since I have the tools needed to safely extract that load (or other obstruction) I suggest you send the gun to my house for analysis and unloading. It shouldn't take me more than a couple years. When you lower the rod into the barrel, does it feel/sound like it's hitting something solid or soft? Rick.

8th July 2012, 09:57 PM	#6
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,632	Norman: Oh great!! That sounds very encouraging. (I'm also a muzzle loading shooter). If you have one of those tiny flashlights with a bright white light, you might be able to see the ball? Its sort of a shame having to thread a hole in that original ball, but thats likely the only way you can do it. However, it would be great to see if there is original powder and ball - and maybe wadding - down there. Make sure you save it in a plastic bag. And, of course post pictures!!! Thanks again. Rick.

9th July 2012, 01:10 PM	#7
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,618	Hi Fernando, Found the plate on an American auction house web catalogue. Catalogued as Chinese export plate C1745-50. I think the depictions of the people are a bit earlier and this would probably make sense as Europeans contracted Chinese workshops to make goods, porcelain especially, in the Western taste for sale in Europe ( not a lot changes ). Who knows how old the original artwork was that they were copying? My Regards, Norman.