Squared vs pointed tangs on RR entry pipe

[Tom Currie]

I've always sort of thought pointed or taped RR entry pipe finials were sort of English while squared were Germanic. Now I'm not so sure that pointed RR entry finials were equally Germanic and they were just phased out by recent arriving colonial smiths similiar to the way acanthus leaf trigger guard finials were. I'm working on a new build sort of " germanic smith comes over and discovers Lancaster, is a little disappointed in what he sees, and isn't quite ready to surrender his formal training just yet" , and getting my thoughts together. 

Thoughts please.   

[Acer Saccharum]

I always think 'Fowler' or 'English' when you mention pipes like this. Brown Bess, musket, etc.

[Ed Wenger]

Like Tom said, I too tend to think "English" or "fowler", however, I'm currently working on a Bucks Co. rifle (between pieces for other folks!) that has a tapered/pointed finial.  This design is taken from the original rifle the piece is based upon.  Some York Co. rifles also have this feature.

            Ed

[rich pierce]

Smooth rifles sometimes had pointed finials such as are common on muskets and fowling pieces as well; RCA 19 for example.