Whatever happened to Tick Licker?

[Bill hughes]

I was carpentering in downtown Chicago and heard about an upcoming appearance of Mr. Parker at the Museum of Broadcast. Late 70's, early 80's. I left work and hoofed it there in a hurry with my Dixie Gun Works Powder horn. Met him at the door with felt marker in hand. Security tried to shoo me away, but I persisted and he graciously signed my horn. At least 100 people in the auditorium and he took some questions after his yarn. I foolishly asked if ol' Betsy was real and he hemmed and hawed. Probably didn't want to disillusion all the other fans there, but I got the impression it was a prop gun.

Ol Betsy was Davy Crockett, not Daniel Boone... even though he played both. Most guns in films are rendered unfunctional, but these started out as real guns. Look earlier in the post, there are images of the Davy Crockett rifle today.

 

[Bill hughes]

Here Ia an update on the Tick Licker replica build. Went with Jeager pipes.

 

[Bill hughes]

The Tick Licker replica is nearly ready for carving!

 

[Bill hughes]

Ready for carving and finishing. Kashtuk Bowcraft did a great job getting the Tick Licker replica in the white!

 

[Nameless Hunter]

Checking out Season 1, Episode 2 (the Cherokee princess episode). It shows Dan'l walking into a Cherokee village carrying what looks a LOT like a percussion rifle. I guess at the time, that sort of thing wasn't too important... ;^)

 

[Bill hughes]

Checking out Season 1, Episode 2 (the Cherokee princess episode). It shows Dan'l walking into a Cherokee village carrying what looks a LOT like a percussion rifle. I guess at the time, that sort of thing wasn't too important... ;^)

Yep, looks kind of weird, but I think it’s the same rifle just cocked funny. That’s been the trouble making a replica. I’ve really had to hunt to get some good images of the rifle. As a kid watching the show, I never really could tell much about it... thanks to the Internet, I’ve gotten some good references since.

 

[Bill hughes]

Maybe someone should make a reproduction of the one used in the Daniel Boone series, before us old guys all die off.

I took you up on that!

 

[Grenadier1758]

Considering the prop department probably had several (different but perhaps similar) rifles to select from for a particular scene, its up to the continuity staff to make sure everything is consistent in the shoot, Its no wonder that there have been so many sightings of rifles that my have been used "Tick Licker" in the TV series.

 

[Bill hughes]

Considering the prop department probably had several (different but perhaps similar) rifles to select from for a particular scene, its up to the continuity staff to make sure everything is consistent in the shoot, Its no wonder that there have been so many sightings of rifles that my have been used "Tick Licker" in the TV series.

Normally that would be the case, but I’ve only seen a minor ramrod pipe change over all the years of the show. Parker was a producer and tended to care for his own props, etc... I really think there was only one rifle (other than some stunt trap door rifles).

 

[Pete G]

Did not anyone notice that it is a trapdoor Springfield with an added frizzen

 

[Bill hughes]

Did not anyone notice that it is a trapdoor Springfield with an added frizzen

That’s a stunt rifle, not the one typically used on the show... but he did take a few publicity photos with it, for some reason.

 

[Bill hughes]

Starting the carving...

 

[rickystl]

Hi Bill

Well, it looks like you are making progress with the replica. Good for you.

Here is a larger image of the Henry Fonda photo from Post #6 above. When you look close, and compare it to the gun Fess Parker is holding in Post #11, you could almost swear it is the same gun. Over the years a ramrod pipe or trigger guard may have been changed, but the carvings on the stock and the lock itself look identical. (I think (?) the carvings on the stock are not real wood carvings, but painted on to give the impression).

The video of the Daniel Boone T.V. Series Theme Song posted above I believe was from the 2nd or 3rd season. I recall at least the first season had Fess Parker by himself standing in a wooded area shooting the genuine flintlock.

That one Boone prop rifle made from a trapdoor action that went to auction posted above. Possibly the genuine flintlocks were used for close up shots/filming while maybe the trapdoor prop was used for certain distance scenes such as shooting while running or similar.

You know what's going to happen. About 3-4 months after you finish the gun, one of the genuine Belgium Trade guns - with the longer barrel - will show up for sale somewhere. LOL Murphy's Law.

Rick

 

[Bill hughes]

Hi Bill

Well, it looks like you are making progress with the replica. Good for you.

Here is a larger image of the Henry Fonda photo from Post #6 above. When you look close, and compare it to the gun Fess Parker is holding in Post #11, you could almost swear it is the same gun. Over the years a ramrod pipe or trigger guard may have been changed, but the carvings on the stock and the lock itself look identical. (I think (?) the carvings on the stock are not real wood carvings, but painted on to give the impression).

The video of the Daniel Boone T.V. Series Theme Song posted above I believe was from the 2nd or 3rd season. I recall at least the first season had Fess Parker by himself standing in a wooded area shooting the genuine flintlock.

That one Boone prop rifle made from a trapdoor action that went to auction posted above. Possibly the genuine flintlocks were used for close up shots/filming while maybe the trapdoor prop was used for certain distance scenes such as shooting while running or similar.

You know what's going to happen. About 3-4 months after you finish the gun, one of the genuine Belgium Trade guns - with the longer barrel - will show up for sale somewhere. LOL Murphy's Law.

RickView attachment 32923

Yep, that’s the same gun... and I do expect one of the Belgium guns to show up, but still having fun and that’s the whole point!

 

[Nicksdad]

I am a huge fan of the Daniel Boone TV series and love the rifle Fess used in it. I also would some day like
to make my own so I will be following your progress Bill with great interest.

 

[Bill hughes]

I am a huge fan of the Daniel Boone TV series and love the rifle Fess used in it. I also would some day like
to make my own so I will be following your progress Bill with great interest.

I’ve been distracted by COVID and moving and whatnot. Getting back on her now…

 

[Bill hughes]

So it's been a while, but I'm finally getting a rough carve under way! Will move along faster now!

 

[Capnball]

So it's been a while, but I'm finally getting a rough carve under way! Will move along faster now!

More pics! We love pictures!

 

[Nicksdad]

Very cool Bill, look forward to more pics.

 

[Bill hughes]

This is killing my hands!!!!