Sunday, December 8, 2013
18th Century German All-Steel Flintlock Tinder Lighter with Candle Holder
In overall very fine untouched condition. The exposed flintlock mechanism with offset hammer notched at its base to accept the sear/trigger. Exposed frizzen spring, mounted at the front end of the frame; and the frizzen with a faceted back. The opposite side of the frame with a hinged tinderbox with its original latch/knob and compartment-door: also equipped with its original iron candle holder. The underside of the frame with its pair of forked wrought iron legs. Integrally forged steel grip with a bulbous ball-type butt. In overall very fine untouched condition with smooth steel surfaces, a fine untouched gray-brown age patina and some patches of light discoloration. Original components and in mechanically functional order. A very nice example of an 18th century All-Steel Flintlock Tinderlighter, ca. 1750s. For a similar example, please see Neumann & Kravic's: "Collector's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution", pg. 263.Overall length: 8".
Saturday, December 7, 2013
French & Indian War American Musket, ca. 1750-1770
In fine a untouched original flintlock condition. Made with a pin-fastened, 44 1/8", {Specified Connecticut "COS" Length (1776), 44"} American made octagonal-to-round, .72 caliber, smoothbore barrel with a bottom-mounted bayonet lug and blade type front sight. Untouched and deeply toned, finely molded and carved, Roman-Nose, Cherry-wood fullstock of classic Goshen, Conn. form with simple raised carving around the lock and sideplate mortises, a slight lobe at the ramrod entry, a flared butt and a raised beavertail apron, at the barrel-tang. Retains sharp contours with untouched surfaces, some scattered light handling marks/minor abrasion and tight hairlines. Classic, Colonial American-made and recycyled brass furniture with matching untouched surfaces. The buttplate with a long, pointed and stepped, screw-fastened tang. Four (4) barrel-form sheet-brass ramrod pipes, a finely sculpted sideplate with embossed acanthus leaf finial; and the recycled trigger-guard with raised pointed finials and a piercing for a sling-swivel. Made with a recycled French “Fusil de Chasse” Lock with its original gooseneck hammer, frizzen and teardrop finial frizzen-spring. The lockplate with richly toned, untouched, smooth, brown surfaces, en suite with the barrel. In untouched, fine, "Attic", original flintlock condition. The iron surfaces of the barrel with a smooth chocolate-brown age patina and the expected signs of use: fine touch-hole. The lock with matching surfaces and in mechanically functional order with a strong mainspring. Fine stock with 85%+ finish, sharp contours, some expected handling marks and scattered abrasions. Untouched brass furniture with a deep mustard-toned age patina. A very nice example of an authentic, “attic” untouched, French & Indian/Revolutionary War Colonial American (Connecticut) Musket, ca. 1750-1770. Complete with its original iron ramrod. Overall length, 59 1/2". Of the classic style of arms made by the various gunsmiths of Goshen, Conn, such Medad Hills, before and during the Revolutionary War. For similar examples, please see G. C. Neumann’s: “Battle Weapons…”, pg. 128.
Confederate Sack Coat
Heritage Auctions of Dallas, Texas advertised a Confederate sack coat from the Western theater in about 2011. Its provenance is limited to an old label inside the coat inscribed, "Rebel Coat Captured by the Union Soldiers at Cumberland Gap." The Cumberland Gap sack coat exhibits some early characteristics that include a six-button front, and a six-piece body. The collar is two-piece, inside and out. These characteristics were later usually simplified to a four-button front and four-piece body. Otherwise, the one piece sleeves, exterior breast pocket, and length are typical of Confederate sack coats. The bottom edge is well above the cuff line.
The provenance, such as it is, suggests that this is a Western depot coat. Last of all, the coat retains at least three of its buttons: all of which appear to be wooden, two-hole buttons.
Friday, December 6, 2013
A Historical Novel in Metal and Wood by Tom Curran
I've been working on this gun for a while, designing, shaping, carving. And it strikes me that this is akin to composing a piece of music or a poem. The carving is far from done, and the wood not finished, but there is something compelling about the light, the tools, and textures that reminds me of a Flemish painting perhaps, or a Tom Waits song....
Copy and photo supplied by Tom Curran.
We look forward to seeing the completed gun, one day...
Thursday, December 5, 2013
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