.Flintlock Build

[Ryan Saunders]

I need help! I ordered a Bucks County Rifle parts set from TOW, but the patchbox was on backorder so I left it off. I figured I would find something to go in its place 'cause I need it soon, rather than waiting on TOW to stock it and send it (could take a while, evidently). But anyway, if I order one from TOW, I have a few options. I'm thinking either the Kuntz box or the Allentown- Bethelhem. I like the finial on the Kuntz box a bit better than the other one so I'll probably get that one. However, the question that's nagging me is what metal to get it in. The furniture on the rifle is brass, but I'm planning on including several silver inlays on the rifle.... long story short, would a nickel silver patchbox look good on a rifle with brass furniture, considering that it will have silver inlays as well? I know some will probably say just order a Bucks style box from someone else, but I'd rather substitute something from the same company. Just as a side note, if TOW had their domed brass Virginia box in stock, I'd use it 'cause I like the look of them. Any advice will be appreciated......

 

[Zonie]

The material is totally up to you.

Brass is the material that was commonly used for patchboxes, even when the gun had coin silver inlays installed on it.

German Silver didn't become popular until well into the early 1800's so if your gun has a wide, slightly curved buttplate, indicating it is from a fairly early period (1700's) it would look out of place to someone who knows about these things.

On the other hand, 99.8% of the people who look at your gun will not know about these things and they will think German Silver looks great.

I've built several guns of the early style and used German Silver because I like it and, except for some folks on this web site who understand these things, I have yet to have anyone else say they didn't like it.

I know this didn't answer your question but it should give you something to think about. :grin:

 

[saber]

here ia Shop that may have the typ of patch box you wanted http://muzzleloaderbuilderssupply....a.cgi?cart_id=4681419.4790*9o1X854681419.4790 I get stuff erom them and they are very quick and good

 

[hoochiepapa]

I am building a loose copy of a Verner, and just finished inletting the patchbox in german silver. The rest of the fittings are brass, and it looks pretty good if I say so myself. I installed the side opening box and am trying to get up the courage to drill from the toe plate for the latch mechanism. I just do what my conscience tells me. And at the time I was shopping for a Verner patchbox, g. silver was all that was available.
I have had trouble getting parts from TOW also. But that is a good link above to try.

 

[Ryan Saunders]

Thanks for the advice! You know, after thinking about it a little, I'm pretty dang sure I've seen several rifles with silver patchboxes and all the other furniture in brass. However, now that I know there is at least one person for sure that's doing it, I won't have any trouble deciding whether to do it or not lol. Oh yeah, I was just looking through TOW's boxes again and realized that they have the side-opening box in silver, in stock. So I'll probably be getting one of them.