Unique Dual Ignition South India Long Gun

[Philip]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Hi Rick,
Any idea as to the reason for the hole thru the match cock? I have not seen this on matchlocks before.
Stu

I wonder if the hole is a provision for a rudimentary safety -- will a transverse pin effectively block the serpentine from fully descending towards the pan? Come to think of it, the touchhole pricker on its chain might serve the purpose rather well. Perhaps the gun's owner thought that since the flintlock has a half-cock detent to lock the trigger, he might as well have something to take care of the serpentine as well. Just a thought... What do you guys think?

[rickystl]

Hi Philip and Stu

I didn't realize there was an additional post on this Thread.

After further thought, I believe the small hole had some type of pin device that was inserted to keep the serpentine arm positioned in a right-ward position so as to align the matchcord with the center of the pan while in use. What the device would look like I have no idea.

Speaking of vent picks.....I have 4/5 original Torador style vent picks in my collection. So I think I'll use one to suspend on this gun, making the lock area even more crowded. LOL

After a couple minor repairs and cleaning, and replacing the missing stones, this should turn out nice. Glad I found this one.

Rick