17thC Scottish Snaphaunce Musket

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, 09:14 PM	#1
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,633	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	#3
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,633	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	#4
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,635	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.