Original Patchbox Opening Mechanism

[Majorjoel]

I thought you gun builders would be interested in the details of a particular type of P\B mechanism used by Frederick Sell of Littlestown PA. Sell used several different systems in his work, but this one I had access to and am happy to share.       

[BillPac]

Thank You for sharing the pictures.
BillP

[T*O*F]

So, what's that white, gluey looking substance?  It doesn't look original.

[David Rase]

Very nice.  Thanks for allowing us a look into the inner workings.
David

[thimble rig]

I think Armstrong uses something like that too.Iam always interested in the latching mechanisms on patch boxes.

[Majorjoel]

So, what's that white, gluey looking substance?  It doesn't look original.

       Wax build up.   

[M. E. Pering]

Thanks for posting those pics, MajorJoel.  It is great to see originals, and observe how the old makers did things.  I was a bit surprise to see the use of a nail as opposed to a screw for the latch pivot.  But it appears to have held up well over the years.  Considering the amount of work it took to make a screw back then, it is also understandable.  Also nice to see the way he inlet the butt plate.  Would love to see more if you have them.   

Matt

[Jim Kibler]

Thanks,

That is a nice strong and robust looking release.  Also note the wood inlet into the top of the buttplate.  I just saw some pictures of an Eister with wood filling the extension as sell.  There was a discussion of this a while back and some had mentioned they had never seen this feature.  Not all that uncommon...

[JCurtiss]

Interesting indeed.  I'm always amazed by the seemingly great lengths that the original rifle builders went to in creating a mechanism to keep the patch box lid closed. I recently used a simple cam spring and it works perfectly.  However, most people turn up their noses at such a simple mechanism notwithstanding its effectiveness. Some have even made the comment that it's cheating to use a cam spring mechanism.

[Marcruger]

A test fit of a mechanism Ed Wenger made in 2015 on a Vogler-style NC longrifle.  Very similar mechanism.  The design came from Blake Stevenson, master gunsmith of Old Salem.

[Majorjoel]

  Also I find that the butt plates on many original rifles are quite a bit thinner skinned (brass thickness) than our modern castings. It is difficult to show this in pictures from the outside of the part. This thinness shows up better seeing it from the hidden underside.           

[Mark Elliott]

Thanks for posting. 

[sqrldog]

I found your post quite interesting, from a gunbuilders viewpoint, it is very helpful.  Always wondered how the side button release was done. Here it is as done by an early master. Thanks for being considerate enough to post it for those of that have little opportunity to study originals. Tim

[Majorjoel]

All are welcome! Glad to be of help.

[bama]

Very nice design and well installed by the buider. Thank you very much for sharing these pictures.