Possible ??? Native American use Musket.

colin henshaw · 28th November 2018, 08:18 PM

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.

Bob A · 28th November 2018, 09:15 PM

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.

Kubur · 28th November 2018, 09:53 PM

I would say Mali or Congo....

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

Norman McCormick · 29th November 2018, 06:31 PM

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.

kahnjar1 · 29th November 2018, 07:29 PM

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

Martin Lubojacky · 30th November 2018, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

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.

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

Norman McCormick · 2nd December 2018, 06:37 PM

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.

Edster · 2nd December 2018, 10:23 PM

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

28th November 2018, 09:53 PM	#3
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	I would say Mali or Congo.... http://theresalwaysmoretolearn.blogs...illage-of.html Attached Images

28th November 2018, 08:18 PM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	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.

28th November 2018, 09:15 PM	#2
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 435	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.

29th November 2018, 06:31 PM	#4
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,613	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.

29th November 2018, 07:29 PM	#5
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,786	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

2nd December 2018, 06:37 PM	#7
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,613	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.

2nd December 2018, 10:23 PM	#8
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 411	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