That rifle on the wall of the labourer's cottage or working class flat is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there.-George Orwell

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/16483009

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/16474034

Stolen from R*ddit

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/13240105

cross-posted from: https://kbin.social/m/HistoryArtifacts/t/834466

More information: https://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/behavior/getting-food/oldest-wooden-spear

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/12617925

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/12328130

Technically of Snaphance configuration, but made well into the 'true' flintlock era. The separate steel and pan arrangement and back-action lock are dictated by the use of a revolving cylinder and especially the design choice of having priming pans integrated into said cylinder. The weapon is utilitarian in appearance and is largely devoid of engraving or other embellishment, but the superior craftsmanship employed is self-evident. Metalwork is brass save for the iron lock assembly, trigger, belt-hook, and of course the necessary screws and pins. It is stocked, in burr (burl) walnut, after the fashion of a period horse pistol, albeit with the more massive proportions required by its large and heavy brass cylinder. Swamped, unrifled barrel.

A sheet brass shroud covers the revolving cylinder and is screwed onto the lock-frame, no doubt to prevent inadvertent movement of the pan covers as suggested by Norman and Wilson (1982, 80), at least in part. It may also have been an aesthetic choice, and would further have have afforded a safe place for two-handed support should the user tire. Another possibility is that it was intended as a flash-shield to reduce the risk of ‘chain fire’, that is, the communication of flame from the ignited chamber to one or more of the others.

https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-1534

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/12491363

This 12-shot .40 caliber repeater was designed by Epenetus A. Bennett and Frederick P. Haviland...

The repeater required cranking a rotating disc on the underside of the receiver to advance the rotating rectangular chambers. Each brass chamber was loaded with powder and ball and capped individually.

Despite its many advances, this circa 1838 firearm relied on under-hammer ignition, a chancy proposition when dealing with percussion caps. Fewer than 10 examples were ever produced, making this a truly rare gun.

U.S. Patent No. 603

This is a call to action for everyone who believes in an inclusive firearms community

https://youtube.com/shorts/Is9v1emKNyY?si=uN7vjSYDdHILvuSg