Antique Flintlock Gun Stock Cheek/Butt End Piece

[Winnlex]

Hello, I am trying to get information on a gun stock cheek/butt end piece. I do not know its origin/history other than my dad purchased it about 16 years ago and has been in the family ever since. Please find the photo links below. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.





















Note: Image code added by moderator.

[JCKelly]

Fascinating.
What do those words say, engraved on that half-moon just above the patchbox?
Likewise, what is engraved on the cheek inlay?

Can't make out either writing.

[mbriggs]

From what I can see it has "Liberty & Independence" on the half-moon inlay and W. Lyon on the cheek-rest inlay.

Hope this helps.

Michael

[Shreckmeister]

Nice relic, a shame they didn't save the rest of it.   Thanks for showing it.

[jrb]

For what it's worth and maybe too early?,   U.S. war of 1812 artillery cast brass coat buttons have an eagle sitting on a cannon with either 6 or 10 cannonballs in a triangular pile, beside the cannon.

http://oi61.tinypic.com/348h7dk.jpg

the button on the right, it's hard to make out on this one, and the cannonballs are just to the right of the wheel.

[jrb]

It looks like the ship on the left flies an American flag and the ship on the right is smoking and has damaged masts???

Maybe W Lyon has some war of 1812 records you could find.

[PPatch]

One of the most famous ships in the war of 1812 was the frigate USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), commissioned in 1797. During that war she was quite famous for defeating four British ships of the line; HMS Guerriere, HMS Java, the HMS Cyane & HMS Levant. The victory over the Guerriere in particular was much celebrated in the former colony.

I'd bet that if you researched contemporary art of the period you might find a painting resembling the engraving.

dave

[debnal]

It is very interesting. In the Constitution's battle with the Guerriere, she totally dismasted the British ship. The ship on the patchbox looks to have had its masts shot away.
Al

[jdm]

The carving on the cheek piece side reminds me of the type seen on a New England Fowler.

[Winnlex]

Mbriggs is right on the wording.  Thank you all for your input, will look into your advise.  Regards. Winnlex

[Hungry Horse]

 Not only were guns engraved with scenes commemorating the sea battles of"Old Ironsides", but pistols were stocked from wood scraps from her refittings. Years ago a friend found a pocket pistol with a small inlay that said it was made from a piece of Old ironsides.

                 Hungry Horse

[Avlrc]

Wonderful Patchbox. Great Find!