Greetings from Tombstone, Arizona!
My name is Joel Copeland, and I reside at the west end of the downtown area of Tombstone. I have taken (and continue to) many hikes around the desert here. I have found several interesting pieces; one I gave to a gentleman by the name of Steve Weeks, who told me that the piece I found belonged to a black-powder, six-shooting rifle (I never did get the spelling-Renken?)
Recently I came across an interesting piece that Steve thinks may be a part of a breech-loading rifle. He is not sure even after viewing the photos I e-mailed him, and he is currently researching it. Since he is the father of three young children, I'm sure his response time will be quite slow as usual! :-) I am a total and complete amateur when it comes to identifying older weapons, yet, since I consider myself a writer, here goes a physical description:
The part in question is iron, and somewhat flat. It has three holes, both ends and down in the middle. In the middle hole remains a round, curve-topped 1" long bolt, approximately 3/16" thick.
Overall, the pieces is approximately 3 and 3/4 inches long (from end to end) and varies from 3/4" at the ends, widening out to 1 and 3/4" in the middle. Overall it is rather hook-shaped, yet is somewhat flat; with 1/8" wide beveling going all around it. The overall piece is slightly curved, rising above the beveling.
Now, there is a curved notch at one end of the widest point on this piece: The opening is approximately 5/8" wide, and curves down to 3/4" deep; the "rest" or bottom of the notch is 1/4" wide.
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For all I know, this piece was part of a saddle, or fancy trunk. Don't know, but since I want to know, you are welcome to e-mail me at <jscopeland@tombstonelizardmedia.com> and I will send you my pics of the item in question. I am quickly becoming a fan of Old West guns and equipment used in this area, and would be more than grateful for your responses!
Thanks, and keep that powder dry!
Joel S. Copeland
