S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums10
Topics38,376
Posts544,025
Members14,391
|
Most Online1,258 Mar 29th, 2024
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
This is the most beautiful and graceful hammer I have ever seen. From a Williams & Powell of Liverpool about 1872. Try to imagine these identical twins were carved out of a block of steel or a rough forging by a craftsman without blueprints, only his lifetime skills, saws, files, and chisels. And an incredible knowledge of the Golden Mean and Rococo scroll.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
2 members like this:
Imperdix, ClapperZapper |
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1129
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1129 |
Beautiful workmanship, Joe.
I wonder how many gunmakers apprentices are taught the Golden Mean ratio nowadays. I learned about it many years ago when beginning to build longrifles.
Thanks for posting.
May God bless America and those who defend her.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 269 Likes: 56
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 269 Likes: 56 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,670 Likes: 372
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,670 Likes: 372 |
I don't have anything that approaches that hammer. This might be a short thread Joe. There can't be many that can top or even approach that one.
_________ BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
Oh, I love seeing hammers—from the simplest to the most elaborate. They all have character of their own and deserve respect. Even the plainest is beyond the ability of most of us to produce.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,521 Likes: 20
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,521 Likes: 20 |
I have some nice hammerguns, but nothing approaches that pair of hammers. Works of art and functional as well.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,670 Likes: 372
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,670 Likes: 372 |
Well, I'll try to bring the bar down a good long ways. Here is a hammer from a Cashmore that I am very fond of. And here is a hammer from a recently made rifle - included only because it is the best I have at the moment.
_________ BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 287 Likes: 7
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 287 Likes: 7 |
Absolutely gorgeous hammers on the Williams & Powell. The finish and engraving is stunning. I would guess that there would have been sample patterns and snap gauges to keep parts identical.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 531 Likes: 18
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 531 Likes: 18 |
I am under the impression that the Birmingham gun trade began to use steam powered forging machines NLT the 1860s to produce parts such as hammers.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
Beautifully done, Brent. Nice design and engraving is great. Tell us about the rifle.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,670 Likes: 372
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,670 Likes: 372 |
thanks Joe. It's and Alex Henry replica for on my long range percussion rifle.
_________ BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,857 Likes: 384
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,857 Likes: 384 |
Steam power forging isn't going to get a hammer like the one in the op more like the cashmore then file chisel and engrave to get the William and Powell hammer
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73 |
This is a repeat from the pinfire game gun thread (have a look, if you haven't seen it), but it is a good look at a bevy of hammers from the late 1850s to the late 1860s... Remarkable what can be done with metal files and talent. 1. Barnett 2. Birkett & Allan 3. The Breech Loading Armoury Company (Limited) 4. John Blanch 5. John Blissett 6. Boss & Co. 7. Joseph Braddell & Son 8. Dougall 9. Cogswell & Harrison 10. James Bott 11. James Erskine 12. Boss & Co. 13. Benjamin Woodward & Sons 14. Masu Brothers 15. Henry Adkin 16. John Blissett 17. George Fuller 18. Frederick Gates 19. W. W. Greener 20. Hambling 21. Harris Holland 22. Harris Holland 23. John William Hunt 24. Jeffrey 25. Joseph Lang 26. Masu Brothers 27. William Moore 28. Charles Frederick Niebour 29. Parker, Field & Sons 30. Edward Paton 31. William Powell 32. Fedele Primavesi 33. Schofield, Goodman & Sons 34. W & C Scott & Son 35. Hugh Snowie 36. Thomas Julian Watkins 37. Robert Watmough 38. Philip Webley & Son 39. Westley Richards 40. Westley Richards 41. James Woodward 42. Unknown 43. Unknown 44. Unknown 45. Châlet, Père et Fils 46. Jean-Baptiste Rongé et Fils 47. August Gottlieb Schüler, Maximilien Nicolas Colleye action 48. Boss & Co.
Last edited by Steve Nash; 02/13/21 08:40 PM. Reason: correction
|
1 member likes this:
MD2 |
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 531 Likes: 18
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 531 Likes: 18 |
I didn't mean to suggest that forging could eliminate all hand-work. Rather it would eliminate the need to cut and file from a block of metal. It would also ensure uniform size and basic shape.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,134 Likes: 309
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,134 Likes: 309 |
I'll re-post these Reilly pin-fire hammers from the Reilly line: https://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=436538&page=431. 10655 - 1858 2. NSN - 1862 3. 12920 - 1862 4. NSN - 1864? 5. 14469 - 1867 6. 15129 - 1868 7. 15288 - 1868 8. 16810 - 1871 9. 15287 - 1868 - original center fre 10. 16761 - 1871 - original center fire
Last edited by Argo44; 02/14/21 01:01 AM.
Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 110 Likes: 21
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 110 Likes: 21 |
Were not a pair of hammers made by filing up a single block of metal to have left and right sides which was then divided into two halves. Obviously not so in the case of the cheaper grade castings .
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 775 Likes: 35
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 775 Likes: 35 |
I don't want to rain on your parade nor denigrate those lovely hammers but they were almost certainly forged or cast and then finished by hand, as Steve says above. The engraving is lovely but at that time the number of engravers to the trade who could have duplicated that pattern, to that level of finish, was huge. It was just a matter of how much the customer was prepared to shell out for his new toy. In our era of automated mass production techniques, we forget that nearly everything was built and finished by hand and any level of finish could be bought for a few shillings (shilling=12 old pennies=5 new pennies=$0.07). If you examine most nice Joseph Lang guns of the period, you will see engraving that will blow your mind on a gun that is really not that special under the skin. Likewise, the late C19th William Evans guns, built by Webley on the screw grip patent often have the most amazing engraving. It is a common practise then to finish a fairly commonplace gun very highly so it would command a premium price for a medium quality gun. I'm sure you could find parallels today. In a way, it is why some very high quality guns are rather understated in their adornment.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73 |
My understanding is that in the 1860s at least these parts were either forged or cast, then shaped and finished by hand, then engraved. As Mr Barclay states above, engravers were plentiful, and hand work was relatively cheap. Even the most basic ‘trade’ engraving at the time was nice by modern standards, and better engraving could enhance the appeal of an otherwise standard offering. I simply marvel at the range of hammer styles. While hammerless guns are a technological improvement, I prefer the look and tactile pleasure of exposed hammers.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 531 Likes: 18
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 531 Likes: 18 |
The Donald Dallas book "Boss & Co.: Best Gunmakers" provides a most interesting perspective on the cost of engraving in 1897. The cost of having John James Sumner fully engrave a Boss 'best' sidelock gun that retailed for £60 was £2.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 765 Likes: 18
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 765 Likes: 18 |
Here’s a Pape 10 bore from around 1873: [/URL
|
1 member likes this:
HomelessjOe |
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 450
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 450 |
All those lovely pin fire hammers reminded me to post here that there are 200 20 gauge pin fire shell available on the web. If they were 12 or 16 their demand would be greater. But still perhaps someone could use them.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 156 Likes: 17
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 156 Likes: 17 |
|
1 member likes this:
MD2 |
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196 |
Dougall with London address. Scott Tonks Colt Boyd Repeating Arms [Boyd and Tyler]
Last edited by Daryl Hallquist; 02/16/21 07:04 PM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196 |
Joe, your post and the posts attracted to it are really interesting. The variety of shapes and decoration are fascinating.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
Very, very nice examples, JB and Daryl. The variety is almost infinite. Interesting that almost all hammers submitted came from the 1870’s and earlier. Of course that was the golden era for hammer breechloaders—and very short lived at that.
Daryl, you always manage to pull out some of the darndest odd variants. Never cease to amaze me!
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1129
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1129 |
This is personal opinion only, but the hammers with a "flat", as opposed to those that are of a half round shape, are the most beautiful. The Williams & Powell posted by Joe, the Reilly in last pic on the bottom right posted by Gene, and the Pape posted by bsteele exhibit the style hammers that are by far the most exquisite and most pleasing to the eye, IMHO. The flat surface allows the engraver to change the engraving from one style to another. While the half round hammers can exhibit superfine engraving, it's almost gets boring in a sense, to me. Kinda, too much of a good thing. I dunno, hard to explain. Again, just a personal preference.
SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,134 Likes: 309
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,134 Likes: 309 |
From my Reilly database here are a few 1880's Reilly hammers...less ornate..and the very functional "crouching tiger" (low profile) seems to predominate. Horizontal left to right 1. 24365 - 1882 2. 24534 - 1882 (Cyril Adams) 3. 20808 - 1877 4. 21839 - 1879 5. 25354 - 1882 (Cyril Adams) 6. 25771 - 1883 - Maharajah's will be maharajahs
Last edited by Argo44; 02/16/21 10:53 PM.
Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,670 Likes: 372
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,670 Likes: 372 |
I particularly like #5. Is that what you mean by "crouching tiger"?
_________ BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan)
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,134 Likes: 37
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,134 Likes: 37 |
Daryl, your Tonks looks very similar to a WC 'Scott Victoria grade that I have.
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
|
1 member likes this:
MD2 |
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 117 Likes: 202
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 117 Likes: 202 |
Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is, listening to Texans..John Steinbeck
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 117 Likes: 202
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 117 Likes: 202 |
Henry Clarke double rifle...
Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is, listening to Texans..John Steinbeck
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196 |
Tamid, on my post, the labels are at the top of the pictures, and the picture you noticed is a Scott. Very similar to yours, from a period when "lower" hammers were used.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196 |
Posted for Mr. Helsley. Cani Esterni was published in Italy. It is devoted to hammers and the black & white images are excellent. The gun shown is a William Powell & Son 'lifter.' 2 Attachments
Last edited by Daryl Hallquist; 02/17/21 10:21 AM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 765 Likes: 18
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 765 Likes: 18 |
I’m going to have to find a copy of that book. That Powell is fine!
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,410 Likes: 181
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,410 Likes: 181 |
That's it! I've enjoyed this thread so far, I really, really need a hammer gun! It's been said that " a gun without hammers, is like a spaniel without ears " Karl
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 718 Likes: 104
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 718 Likes: 104 |
Karl, You will love them. Scratch the itch! You have my permission to buy a nice sub-gauge English or German SxS, preferably with damascus barrels.
Owen
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,670 Likes: 372
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,670 Likes: 372 |
I find it interesting how the entire industry settled on an "S" shaped hammer. Is there a reason for it? Early hammers were often straight and straight hammers are lighter (and therefore faster) all else being the same, but perhaps the "S" shape was all about shock absorption? Or was it all just esthetics?
_________ BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73 |
The S shape of hammers might be a carry-over from the friction flintlock hammer, with its circular arc to scrape flint against steel; the percussion hammer appears to have been designed to hit an angled nipple square on with the most force; the pinfire hammer had to perform an awkward arc to drive a pin downward; and the centrefire hammer was more of a return to the angled hit of the percussion nipple, with a striker instead. Noseless hammers could hit a striker more in line with the barrel which, while sufficient for the task, might not deliver as hard a blow as the slightly longer arc of the angled striker? A physicist and mathematician might provide a better answer. One thing, the tighter S shape, angled thumb pieces, and lower positioning of the tumbler vis-à-vis the line of the barrel on later hammerguns means that when the hammers are fully cocked, they are out of the line of sight. The other extreme are pinfire hammers which, when cocked, offer a sight picture resembling rugby goal posts! One thing that is remarkable on so many of the centrefire hammers pictured above is the retention, though highly stylized, of the percussion-era 'cap guards' on the hammer noses designed to keep flying bits of copper cap away from the shooter, a good example of skeuomorphism. As posts without pictures are dull, here are Lancaster early centrefire hammers of the noseless variety, dated 1858.
|
1 member likes this:
MD2 |
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,670 Likes: 372
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,670 Likes: 372 |
I love that Lancaster hammer. So simple and yet so elegant.
I don't think the "S" has anything to do with keeping the hammers low when cocked. That can be done with a straight as well as curved hammer body. The S just makes the whole hammer heavier and therefore slower. Lock time isn't a major issue for shotguns, but it doesn't help anything either.
_________ BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,521 Likes: 20
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,521 Likes: 20 |
From top to bottom: Alfred Hollis 10 gauge (probably 1880s) Charles Moore 12 gauge (probably from 1880s-90s) Johannes Ecker 16 gauge (Austrian, 1931 - restored by the grandson of the original maker) SIACE Concordia 28 gauge (2007)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 175 Likes: 73
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 175 Likes: 73 |
I really like the hammers on this guy! [Full Size]
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
Absolutely exquisite, 28 gauge. Thanks for sharing!
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1129
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1129 |
Very nice. Love the gold "eyes" on those hammers. SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,134 Likes: 37
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,134 Likes: 37 |
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1129
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1129 |
I don't care for the style, but that took an extreme amount of talent.
May God bless America and those who defend her.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86 |
I do think the most elegant hammers were on pin fires.
Ps...I sold all my hammer guns and I'm not even sad about it.
Last edited by HomelessjOe; 02/22/21 10:13 AM. Reason: Looking good Stan...19 likes I bet your balls are wet.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
I don't care for the style, but that took an extreme amount of talent. Darn it, “Stanton” you’ve sure played with my mind (easy to do). For a couple decades you’ve been “Stan” on this BBS and now you’ve gone to “Stanton Hillis”. Ever time I see that name I stop and wonder who this newcomer is! Stop it! I hate change!
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196 |
For Mr. Helsley
Last edited by Daryl Hallquist; 02/22/21 05:03 PM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1129
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1129 |
I don't care for the style, but that took an extreme amount of talent. Darn it, “Stanton” you’ve sure played with my mind (easy to do). For a couple decades you’ve been “Stan” on this BBS and now you’ve gone to “Stanton Hillis”. Ever time I see that name I stop and wonder who this newcomer is! Stop it! I hate change! I've been a Stanton all along, Joe, for 69 years. I just decided to get Dave to change it for me in order to help remind those who think every Stan is a Stanley that it's not so. Been correcting that misassumption all my life. Probably will continue to. Some know better and seem to think it's funny to pretend ignorance. Same ol' me. Same ol' them. SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
Posted for Stan(ton) Hillis: From an America San Giorgio. Nothing cast here, just fabulous sculpting with hand tools and an artists eye. A bit of Gothic design here? Reminds me a bit of gargoyles.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
1 member likes this:
MD2 |
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,814 Likes: 1
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,814 Likes: 1 |
This thread has been a joy and a feast for the eyes ! Thank you Mr. Wood.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 217 Likes: 109
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 217 Likes: 109 |
Great post! Hammer shotguns and rifles are outstanding for me. Here is my simply but lovely 28 ga Wiggan&Elliott.
28 ga, hammerguns and all shotguns and rifles made by hands. Waidmannsheil 🌿📯
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,982 Likes: 397
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,982 Likes: 397 |
British 14 bore rifle, unmarked and converted from ML to centerfire long ago. A very best Alex. Henry 10 bore single barrel rifle A Lancaster .50 cal smooth rifle(oval bore) William Moore 14 bore 2 groove percussion rifle
Last edited by SKB; 02/23/21 12:37 PM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73 |
British 14 bore rifle, unmarked and converted from ML to centerfire long ago.] Small world. I once owned that very rifle, in the early 1980s, in Toronto. I sold it as I was leaving the country for a number of years, and shortly afterwards a ill-conceived gun registry came into effect, causing a great many guns to move south to the USA. A lot of fine guns left, and gun shows up here in the past years have been a shadow of their former selves, with few fine pieces to be seen. Glad to see that rifle is being cared for!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,982 Likes: 397
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,982 Likes: 397 |
British 14 bore rifle, unmarked and converted from ML to centerfire long ago.] Small world. I once owned that very rifle, in the early 1980s, in Toronto. I sold it as I was leaving the country for a number of years, and shortly afterwards a ill-conceived gun registry came into effect, causing a great many guns to move south to the USA. A lot of fine guns left, and gun shows up here in the past years have been a shadow of their former selves, with few fine pieces to be seen. Glad to see that rifle is being cared for! I know two other guys who once owned it as well and I did not buy it from either of them, I bought it at Basspro of all places. It needed a new bridle, a fly, a front sight and the barrel was bent. I re-finish both the wood and the metal and attended to all of the above issues. I have since sold it to a new owner who appreciates it and shoots it regularly as well as hunts it. Yes indeed, small world.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 156 Likes: 17
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 156 Likes: 17 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
Beautiful symmetry, JB. Greener always had nice hammers on his early guns. Looks like on heck of a nice gun! Thanks for sharing.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,065 Likes: 565
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,065 Likes: 565 |
Gorgeous guns! I have wanted a hammergun ever since I sold my last one (20 Thomas Bland). I just havent been able to justify owning something that I would use so sparingly. They are an art form I never seem to tire of looking at, so perhaps yet again some day?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86 |
Posted for Stan(ton) Hillis: From an America San Giorgio. Nothing cast here, just fabulous sculpting with hand tools and an artists eye. A bit of Gothic design here? Reminds me a bit of gargoyles. Why would you think they weren't cast ? Kinda look out of place on the plane looking side plate.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
A change of pace and a big step back in time. Here is my W. H. Wilson double flint circa 1820. Very late London flint with just about all the improvements Joe Manton adopted. I believe the gun was likely made by Alexander Wilson, late of Manton. The twin locks are totally hand made, perhaps the hammers began life as rough blacksmith forgings. They are double throated for strength in the neck as is most common with late flint guns.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 531 Likes: 18
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 531 Likes: 18 |
Beautiful gun complete with grip safety.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73 |
What a superb flintlock, a feast for the eyes!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
This is WW Greener’s Self Acting Striker, patented in 1868. It was his first patent after he quit working for his father and went out on his own. At the time primer quality varied quite a bit and strikers often penetrated the primer and stuck in them. Greener’s solution was to manually force the striker to retract before opening. You can see a small protrusion on the throat of the hammer engaging a stub on the striker. As the hammer was moved to the half cock position it pulled the striker away from the primer. Obviously this lock does not have the rebounding feature Stanton had patented about the same time. Very few of these were made. I love the graceful sweep of the hammers and the way they lay in full cock. They remind me of a racing horse in the starting gate eager for a race to begin. Hammers certainly gave a craftsman a palette for artistic expression. HALF COCK FULL COCK
Last edited by Joe Wood; 03/04/21 11:26 AM.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,982 Likes: 397
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,982 Likes: 397 |
Lovely Joe, and the condition is not half bad either , thanks for sharing.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73 |
Another superb hammer gun. And clever, too.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196 |
Two digit serial number, Wesson. A couple of hundred were made, some engraved by Gustav Young.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196 |
Hard to find Wilkes Barre.
|
1 member likes this:
67galaxie |
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196 |
Not hammers, but the gun that probably started it all. Pauly
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,264 Likes: 196 |
The beginning of the Dalys, sourced from Geo. Lindner ?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
Daryl, I really like that Wesson! Unique. And that Pauly is most interesting.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 423 Likes: 73 |
Not hammers, but the gun that probably started it all. Pauly Ah, the very beginning! Superb!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 150 Likes: 2
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 150 Likes: 2 |
Don't know if anyone has tried to just checker a hammer spur, particularly one with a border all the way around. Try it and you will appreciate the craftmanship even more. Chuck
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
Don't know if anyone has tried to just checker a hammer spur, particularly one with a border all the way around. Try it and you will appreciate the craftmanship even more. Chuck Chuckster, one of the quickest ways I have found to judge the intrinsic quality of a hammer gun is to glance at the quality of the hammer spur checkering. If it’s coarsely done or irregular then there’s no need to look further. The gun’s internal quality will also be lacking.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,134 Likes: 309
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,134 Likes: 309 |
Here's the photo....excellent.
Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
Just ran across these hammers from a Griffiths & Worsley of Manchester from the 1870’s. Great story about it in the current DGJ. I think they are very attractive and graceful, even with the stubby nose.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 934 Likes: 53
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 934 Likes: 53 |
This is a repeat from the pinfire game gun thread (have a look, if you haven't seen it), but it is a good look at a bevy of hammers from the late 1850s to the late 1860s... Remarkable what can be done with metal files and talent. 1. Barnett 2. Birkett & Allan 3. The Breech Loading Armoury Company (Limited) 4. John Blanch 5. John Blissett 6. Boss & Co. 7. Joseph Braddell & Son 8. Dougall 9. Cogswell & Harrison 10. James Bott 11. James Erskine 12. Boss & Co. 13. Benjamin Woodward & Sons 14. Masu Brothers 15. Henry Adkin 16. John Blissett 17. George Fuller 18. Frederick Gates 19. W. W. Greener 20. Hambling 21. Harris Holland 22. Harris Holland 23. John William Hunt 24. Jeffrey 25. Joseph Lang 26. Masu Brothers 27. William Moore 28. Charles Frederick Niebour 29. Parker, Field & Sons 30. Edward Paton 31. William Powell 32. Fedele Primavesi 33. Schofield, Goodman & Sons 34. W & C Scott & Son 35. Hugh Snowie 36. Thomas Julian Watkins 37. Robert Watmough 38. Philip Webley & Son 39. Westley Richards 40. Westley Richards 41. James Woodward 42. Unknown 43. Unknown 44. Unknown 45. Châlet, Père et Fils 46. Jean-Baptiste Rongé et Fils 47. August Gottlieb Schüler, Maximilien Nicolas Colleye action 48. Boss & Co. Is my imagination running wild or does anyone else see all the fish, birds, and snakes, and other (??) animals in this beautiful and fascinating array of hammers??
Perry M. Kissam NRA Patron Life Member
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1129
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1129 |
I do, indeed. But, cannot figure out what is being depicted in this one ............ 46. Jean-Baptiste Rongé et Fils.
Some imaginary creature with lots of dental?
Stan
May God bless America and those who defend her.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 960 Likes: 12
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 960 Likes: 12 |
My Husqvarna 36 back action jones underlever has nicely engraved hammers and locks. I recently had the barrels re-browned, and I'm re-working the wood now.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 156 Likes: 17
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 156 Likes: 17 |
Keeping the hammer thread alive with this George Daw. (thanks also for the insights provided in the recent thread: improving gun photography.)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
Nice, very nice, JB. Absolutely first class work! Thanks for posting.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
|
|
|
|