Neumann and Kravic (1975) refer to the material around the flint as a
"flint pad".
Neumann, G. and F. Kravic
1975 Collector's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution.
Stackpole Books. Harrisburg, PA.
Noel-Hume (1969) uses the term "flint grip" and states that they are
sometimes found still wrapped around the flint. From reenacting, I can
see that if you are in a hurry to change a flint out in combat, or get
hit while doing so, the flint and lead or leather could easily get
dropped or lost.
Noel-Hume, I.
1969 A Guide to Artifacts of Colonial America. Alfred A. Knopf. NY
Keith
-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mark
Branstner
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 3:25 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Lead gunflint wraps ....
Hi,
Posing a question for one of my colleagues, Rob Hickson ...
We are doing some research on the sheet lead washers that were used
to wrap gunflints in order to secure them in the jaws of a flintlock
firearm ...
Now, some of these are clearly homemade, but some appear to be
manufactured specifically for this purpose, often with a hole
relieved at the folding point at the back of the gunflint.
(1) Is there a standard term for describing these? I have heard
"washer", "wrap", "cap" ....
Is there a contemporary term? Perhaps out of the fur trade or
shorekeeper literature?
(2) Any references that people can remember? From either domestic
or military sites?
Any help or leads will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Mark
--
Mark C. Branstner, RPA
Historic Archaeologist
Illinois State Archaeological Survey
Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
209 Nuclear Physics Lab, MC-571
23 East Stadium Drive
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: 217.244.0892
Fax: 217.244.7458
Cell: 517.927.4556
[log in to unmask]
When you think of that perfect retort five minutes after the
conversation is over - that's when you're:
"... bursting with the belated eloquence of the inarticulate ..."
Edith Wharton in the "The Age of Innocence"
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