This past weekend at the Alabama Show I got to view some originals. Mr. Hankla was there with the Humble Brother's Rifles. These are two rifles that were likely made in the 1780s.
When I get to see originals I always try to touch them, feel the contours, study it and try to see how it was built rather than just admire it. Of course, only handle and photo with permission.
Since the Conrad Humble is one of the inspirations for my Alligator Horse build, I pawed it pretty good.
The fundamental lock panel shape is there in person but hard to pick out in photos. Once seen in person I can see it clearly now in photos.
By far what amazed me the most is the incised and relief carving. Honestly you could almost duplicate the carving with India Ink. Fine, fine, super fine was the carving. I know it has 230 years of wear but not that much wear. You could do all the carving from that rifle on a finished to shape stock. Even the relief behind the cheek was fine.
The tang carvings had features not seen or just barely seen in photos. The sliding box had carved in rings that Mr. Hankla did not see until he had it a few years. The swirls at the comb to wrist are almost invisible.
Just fine delicate work. Work you really can't grasp unless you can see and feel it in person.
I suggest to anybody who really wants to build, go to shows see originals in person. It can be a little overwhelming but seeing and feeling these up close helps you, maybe more than it seems at the time.
