A neat percussion conversion.

[Auldjin]

I thought people might be interested to see a rather neat flintlock to percussion conversion. The pistol is a Henry Nock (1741 - 1804) boxlock. The cock has been converted leaving a barely discernible join.

 

[hrt4me]

what keeps that bayonet locked in place if you were to thrust it forward to stab someone or something?

 

[Auldjin]

There is a rectangular slot (visible when the bayonet is locked back). When the bayonet is released, it springs open and this slot engages with the protrusion you can see to the right of the hinge. You press the button at the top of the catch to unlock the bayonet which can be returned to the closed position and latched in place. Nowadays, the bayonet is normally left deployed to help save the spring.

 

[hrt4me]

have you fired this?

 

[Auldjin]

I have read that old brass (and this is over 220 years old) is unpredictable and I would not risk causing damage. Also, owning black powder is a nightmare in the UK, I had an explosives licence in the 70s but decided it was too much trouble to keep it going, it won't be any easier now. So no, I have never fired it.

 

[hrt4me]

I did not realize you are in the UK;
my sincerest condolences, as to your diminished gun rights...

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I thought people might be interested to see a rather neat flintlock to percussion conversion. The pistol is a Henry Nock (1741 - 1804) boxlock. The cock has been converted leaving a barely discernible join.

That's really pretty.
Does the hammer completely cover the nipple, or is the nipple not present, and so the hammer is a tad farther forward than normal?
Somebody really liked that setup for self defense to go to that trouble to update that piece. I'd love to chronograph the round.

LD

 

[Auldjin]

Sorry about the quality of the pictures, but night is falling and to be honest, the days are not bright at the moment so rather than wait, I used artificial light. As Loyalist Dave noticed, there is a distinct lack of nipple. This is where we get into the arguments over restoration, original but damaged or modern replacement. I expect there may also be comments about shiny/non-shiny brass.

I have also attached a picture of the cock/hammer showing evidence of its former role.

While I was at it, I took a picture of the bayonet locking mechanism.

Sorry about the lack of depth of field, but you can see the feature I was talking about.

You can see the roller on the spring.

 

[hrt4me]

thank you for elaborating with additional photos

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

That is just plain old cool !