Author Topic: Childs Flintlock  (Read 3777 times)

brooktrout

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Childs Flintlock
« on: May 18, 2014, 05:03:51 PM »
Yesterday I ran upon a most unusual item.  It was defined by the owner as a "child's/boys" gun.  It was in every aspect, a working flintlock which appeared to be authentic but it was the smallest flintlock I have ever encountered.  I did not get sufficient time to examine it or take any photos unfortunately.  It was probably little more that 36 inches overall length...and certainly no more than 40 inches.  The top of the barrel had a signature which appeared to be H Nett ing  (or H Nettxxng).  It was offered for sale but drew such a crowd and I did not have time to wait to get a better look.  The barrel was octagonal to the rear becoming round at the muzzle.  A dark wood stock with no patch box. Full stock.  Not a lot of decoration at the butt end but some more toward the lock and trigger.  Anyone have any thoughts on it?  I travel in the area occasionally and might be able to get more info, incl photos, sometime in the future.

Offline Dan'l 1946

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Re: Childs Flintlock
« Reply #1 on: May 18, 2014, 07:44:03 PM »
Maybe it was K Netting? But that would make it a modern rifle.
                                                   Dan

brooktrout

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Re: Childs Flintlock
« Reply #2 on: May 18, 2014, 08:17:44 PM »
It is hard to believe that a gun in this condition would actually be of the flintlock period.  But the barrel appeared to show signs of real "age".  It had the appearance of a minor degree of pitting which had been cleaned down to the point that a lot of brighter "white" metal color could be seen.  I am not familiar with the maker you mentioned but I also am by no means certain that it was actually authentic.  Might you expand on the gun of K. Netting?  Also, while anything is possible, is it likely that such a small gun would have actually been built during the days of the flintlocks?  I have seen smaller guns but nothing like this one.  Given the time and effort required to make it it just seems impractical, a characteristic that does not well fit into 18th/19th century.  I also don't know if it was being represented as a antique or a replica.  I did hear one person ask if the seller had any "replicas" and the seller said "no" but the conversation was not taking place when this gun was being shown.

Offline Dennis Glazener

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Re: Childs Flintlock
« Reply #3 on: May 18, 2014, 09:06:52 PM »
Ken is an excellent builder. To view some of his work click on this link
http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/search?q=ken+netting or you can go to the contemporarymakers.blogspot.com and search for Ken Netting
Dennis


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