Turtle front sight

[Blaze]

Is the Turtle front sight historically correct for any smoothbore? If so, what region and type of fire lock?
I would like to build a Fusil de chasse, or fusil fin type C......would the turtle sight be hc/pc?

Thank you!

 

[Blaze]

I have not been able to find any information online authenticating the turtle sight.
I did inquire from a couple companies that offer the sight.
I did recieve this pic from Sitting Fox with no additional info.

I addition to the NWTG, I've seen the turtle sight on a Tulle, and fusil fin.

Can anyone help me out? I'm curious why no replys on this topic.

I have read where a couple gunsmith a Fort Michilimackimac were working on rear sights during the time they were at the fort in the 18th Century.

Does anyone have or seen an original 18th Century firearm with a turtle shaped front sight?

Any info is appreciated, thank you.

 

[tenngun]

Growstomski put it on his guns, andNorth Star west continued it. High bar for an historic repo. Howsomever the only old gun I saw with one may not have been as old, since it was behind glass. And museums oft display repos.
Most real life trade guns I’ve seen were sans front sight, although you could see a solder foot print.

 

[Blaze]

Thank you,what do you mean. " sans" front sight?

 

[TooTall]

Sans means without. so without the front sight

 

[Blaze]

Thank you. Never heard that term used before.
I learned something new today!

 

[Bighorserider]

Sans is just French for without.

 

[brazosland]

The turtle was seen by American Indian religious theory as a magical creature because it could exist in two worlds. Not that hard to understand since most things can only survive in one.

The Death Turtle was the sign of the Mohican tribe, who were the biggest, baddest dogs on the block in their day.

So there are numerous reasons having one on your gun might bring you good fortune. And maybe intimidate Indians you might encounter.

I have one on my Bess carbine. Curious about any historical evidence though. Good question!

 

[Ponderosaman]

Not a history buff, but they sure do look cool.

 

[Blaze]

Thank you gentleman for the information. I like the turtle as well, probably will show up on my next kit, either the Tulle, or FDC! I lived many years around the Straits of Mackinac, and the Great Turtle.
Thanks again!

 

[Alexander Efremenko]

The turtle sight is not correct for any French piece, any time period.
Period.

 

[bud in pa]

What is a correct front sight for a tulle fusil de chasse?

 

[Blaze]

The turtle sight is not correct for any French piece, any time period.
Period.

That was the purpose of the question in the first place.

My intent was simply to determine whether anyone on this site had information about the authenticity of the sight in question. I had not been able to verify its use from anything I had read.

While I do appreciate your response, I thought you might elaborate a little bit on how you made that determination?

Is the turtle sight historically correct for ANY period, or ANY gun?

Thank you for your response Sir.

 

[William O.]

I do know that the turtle is a symbol of longevity within certain tribes. I wish Micanopy was still around, he would know.

 

[Alexander Efremenko]

That was the purpose of the question in the first place.

My intent was simply to determine whether anyone on this site had information about the authenticity of the sight in question. I had not been able to verify its use from anything I had read.

While I do appreciate your response, I thought you might elaborate a little bit on how you made that determination?

Is the turtle sight historically correct for ANY period, or ANY gun?

Thank you for your response Sir.

I've come to that determination based on studying and building French styled guns for the last 15+ years or so. Building two guns for the guy that wrote the book on them,and being privy to his knowledge and room full of research .Having handled many nice pieces, and looking at photos from collections which I'm forbidden to share. That's for the French stuff.
While I care little for English stuff, I recall a NWTG or two with one. Original to the piece, I cannot say

 

[Blaze]

I've come to that determination based on studying and building French styled guns for the last 15+ years or so. Building two guns for the guy that wrote the book on them,and being privy to his knowledge and room full of research .Having handled many nice pieces, and looking at photos from collections which I'm forbidden to share. That's for the French stuff.
While I care little for English stuff, I recall a NWTG or two with one. Original to the piece, I cannot say

Thank you Sir, your second post relative this topic is the kind of information I was looking for. Thank you again.

Thank you to all who responded.

 

[waksupi]

I built the last North Star West guns over the last couple years of business. I'm pretty sure Matt told me the turtle front sight was a fantasy item, offered just because people liked them,