(https://i.ibb.co/gyC5dmF/Lanc-patt-promo.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sjr0CbJ)
They soon asked us to send the actual guns, so we loaded them up and shipped by a FedEx account they gave us. Before sending, we took many photos of details and carefully drew full size drawings of each so that we could stock accurate copies without the “originals”. The company liked what they received, and wanted two or three copies of each arm to be delivered within two months. Concerned with accidents, damage or problems during shooting, they wanted three duplicates of each arm, plus two extra locks and lock bolts fitted to each model, to keep the filming going smoothly. We rashly (and fortunately) asked for payment for these first arms up front, and soon received a check. Mike signed an agreement with his folks, and we went to work – looking for locks, stocks, barrels and what was needed for the project for the additional guns. We had to purchase what was on hand from many sources to meet the schedule. We would drive to Jack’s small shop in his home and work there, anticipating 8 to 10 hour days for six days per week to complete on time. Our families agreed to put up with this for two months. ;)
Movie companies set up a variety of separate legal entities throughout the making of a movie, and when things change, they drop the earlier incorporations and form new ones. They then may avoid paying for work done earlier, so be careful! Sure enough Disney became involved with the movie, and objected to a likely R rating for the version proposed by Howard, Glazer and company. A change in direction resulted, with new production and new actors, including Billy Bob Thornton as Davy. The new armorer and other folks had our guns, but decided to look for other options, and I think a variety of folks submitted examples for consideration – some of you? We were left hanging for a time, and Mike kept talking. Eventually the new folks liked what we had sent them, and signed another agreement to move ahead. Over time some details changed a bit, and we were left with a few extra parts.
The rifle intended for Davy was a Lancaster pattern trade rifle common to that period. Looking at the records and surviving originals, the various makers stocked rifles to a pattern, but each had a slightly different patchbox which became their “signature”. I made up a box of different design and used a custom lock copied after an original Deringer lock with single trigger. The lock and barrel were left “bright as usual” from the old orders. The movie text called for Davy to take a long shot at Santa Anna, with a closeup of him setting the rear trigger and firing. So we modified this rifle and its copies to double triggers, and rather than hand making locks for duplicates, we modified Davis trade locks for the same look. The company also wanted us to dull or age the bright lock and barrel to avoid reflection in their shooting, so this rifle and the other arms were slightly aged. We made up two extra locks for each arm, fit them to the rifles, drilled and tapped lock bolts for each so they were interchangeable. Note – each rifle performed just fine, none were damaged or failed to fire, and the duplicate guns and extra locks were never used. One set of rifles was given to the landowner where the replica Alamo was constructed, and the others went to a prop rental house in Hollywood, where they remain.
(https://i.ibb.co/b1kvH23/details-to-copy.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hsSdXZM)
(https://i.ibb.co/b2F1SYj/Land-patt-pbox.jpg) (https://ibb.co/F0X6Sck)
(https://i.ibb.co/1mBK7Jm/Deringer-lock.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2kRPWYk)
(https://i.ibb.co/Lgvd8cv/Lanc-patt-sig.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4SJR7XJ)
(https://i.ibb.co/4YRty93/JM-working.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5nh4Dtw)
(https://i.ibb.co/M95RwK9/locks-before-and-after.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nR8Dd4R)
We completed and sent the rifles and pistols on time, and the movie folks were happy. We did not make a lot of money, and no fame followed (all the heroes died!), but it was a fine time for the three of us. The sound track of John Wayne’s Alamo played constantly in the background, which also helped set the mood. By far the best part of this project was three friends working closely together in a very small shop. Each contributed what we were best at, and we learned many tips and tricks from each other. We felt that this gave us insights to the old shops when an order suddenly arrived and needed to be filled quickly. We called around and grabbed whatever supplies were available, just like the Henry family records show. Most of the rifles were built from precarved stocks – which had lots of extra wood, and it seems that some of the old stockers also began work with roughly shaped stocks with a groove started for the barrel.
(https://i.ibb.co/dMwJ1pz/Lanc-patt-shape.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qj3FXgP)
(https://i.ibb.co/g49VxcH/3-Lanc-patt-rifles-w-dwg.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GHpTqrB)
(https://i.ibb.co/pzhJG2t/BJ-Lanc-patt.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7Wk28vw)
If this is of interest, I could continue with a description of the other arms we stocked up. Questions? I can answer details of components per Wattlebuster. Lucky RA and others, please add your stories. Bob