An Englishman's accoutrements

[Columbus]

Some years ago I saw a flint Mortimer sporting rifle in the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and as far as I remember the Pedersoli Mortimer I just got is a very close copy. I'm assuming this type of gun would be a bit expensive for the average colonist and am wondering what would the person carrying this gun afield be equipped with? What kind of device for powder, for prime, what type of bag? I'm not re-enacting to any degree but would like to make a display that accurately portrays the equipment.

 

[martin9]

I'm not an expert of periods of what/when but I'd go with a European style game bag.....little bigger bag w/game hangers, maybe a net bag.... and a nice flask like a hawksley flask.

 

[user 48679]

Not many colonists would have a "Sporting Rifle", as they were made for "titled" English gentlemen.

The genies were few & far between because at that time ( late 1700's) "fowling" guns were much more popular than a rifle.

The owners/shooters, being "gentlemen", would have used refined ( as opposed to crude) accoutrements - such as powder horns with metal spout mechanisms, or metal powder flasks.

Likewise, their shooting bag designs were basically what looks today like a Lady's purse - w/o the game hangers, etc, associated with fowling

Google:

"British Sporting Rifle powder horn"
"British Sporting Rifle powder flask"
"British Sporting Rifle shooting bag"

 

[martin9]

I didn't really think about a "colonists" type gear. I don't really think a colonist would have a half stock english flinter. I've been putting together a bag and flask for a Jaeger and I looked on the "blogspot" of contemporary makers. There are a lot of pics of antique paintings that show the gear fairly well. I do agree the purse type bag would work. I still think a flask is more appropriate for that gun though.

 

[French Colonial]

Lots of tourists, especially the wealthy ones, when visiting the colonies would purchase accoutrements that caught their fancy from the locals and native Americans. This the reason "in my opinion" that so many of the original bags, horns, moccasins etc. in museums in Europe and Canada survive in such excellent condition.
I think if I was carrying a Mortimer in the colonies I might purchase that quilled moose hide shooting bag just because I thought it looked rather well with the fancy horn I spent a few quid on. Nothing rustic mind you.

 

[French Colonial]

As an example, a tourist may think these were suitable additions to his Mortimer. I certainly would.

Some of you may recognize this copy of a bag in the the Museum of Civilization in Canada

 

[French Colonial]

Some years ago I saw a flint Mortimer sporting rifle in the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and as far as I remember the Pedersoli Mortimer I just got is a very close copy. I'm assuming this type of gun would be a bit expensive for the average colonist and am wondering what would the person carrying this gun afield be equipped with? What kind of device for powder, for prime, what type of bag? I'm not re-enacting to any degree but would like to make a display that accurately portrays the equipment.

View attachment 84440

I really like the looks of that rifle! if I may ask where is the balance point? How far in front of the trigger guard? And if you have a scale what is the actual weight, not what is advertised?

I ask because I like the balance to be behind my left hand when shooting (I am right handed)

I have a rifle that looks great but is so muzzle heavy that it is not fun to shoot unless it is off the bench is the reason I ask.

 

[tenngun]

English gentleman had traveled, army and navy for many along with times in EIC and HBC. They loved trophy’s of their travels. That type of rifle could well be seen in America. And such expensive gifts could be given to a favorite guide.
a man in England may well have a set of Indian made bags and equipment to go along with it. Even as far as a fine blade in an Indian made sheath.

 

[Columbus]

I really like the looks of that rifle! if I may ask where is the balance point? How far in front of the trigger guard? And if you have a scale what is the actual weight, not what is advertised?

I ask because I like the balance to be behind my left hand when shooting (I am right handed)

I have a rifle that looks great but is so muzzle heavy that it is not fun to shoot unless it is off the bench is the reason I ask.

The balance point is directly below the rear sight - my analog bathroom scale says it's just a hair under 10 lbs.