Since this topic came up anyway, here's something I was always curious about--what is the function of the thumb piece? Obviously, it's just decorative, or could serve as a surface to engrave the owners initials, regimental markings, etc. When did this detail start being used? Is there some kind of magical good luck hex associated with rubbing your thumb over a piece of silver just before taking a shot? I attended a course at Dixon's a couple of years ago on the construction of original Lehigh Valley rifles, and it was noted that many thumb pieces on Lehigh guns were made with a silver coin of a specific date (1813 or 1814 is my recollection) and that a square cavity is often found cut under the coin, purpose uncertain--maybe to hold a drop of holy water or bible verse on a piece of paper. Anyway, this is a bit of lore that always piqued my curiosity. I'd like to know more.
Gregg
