Silver thumb plate for English rifle

[smart dog]

Hi,
I just finished this and inlet it on my rifle.  It is inspired by an original plate but is not a copy.  I made a wood model for this one rather than carving wax just to see how it would work.  The wood model was a success.  I cast the plate using Delft clay and then used die sinker's chisels to cut and clean up the shapes.  I polished with stones, polishing sticks dipped in pumice stone, and oil. 



I will try and demonstrate how I do these at Dixon's this year.  I'll be up in the ALR tent.  Thanks for looking.

dave

[Mike Brooks]

What a coincidence! I'll be needing one of those pretty quick!

[James Rogers]

Hi,
I like that design.
Are the holes for pins?

[smart dog]

Hi James,
Yes they are for pins.  What I actually do is cut coarse threads into silver rods to create crude silver  wood screws.  I pound one end into a form that creates oversized screw heads and I cut slots for a driver.  The holes are countersunk slightly, and after the screws are installed, I file off the heads.  Simple silver nails might be all that is needed, but I like the idea of the threads for extra security. Thanks for looking James.  I like the design too.  It is inspired by Henry Delany.  Please forgive my pretensions to doing art and worse, trying to explain it but the top mimics the shell carving around the standing breech.  However, it is morphing slightly into a floral design.  The bottom is all leaf so the transition is complete and it compliments the floral sideplate inspired by Freeman.  I apologize for the explanation but I get excited about these things.  Some might say I am a "little eccentric".

dave  

[P.W.Berkuta]

Very pretty -- great job of polishing .

[Ed Wenger]

Nice, Dave.  I like the idea of utilizing wood for a pattern, especially when using delft clay.  Turned out nicely!


       Ed

[James Rogers]

Hi James,
Yes they are for pins.  What I actually do is cut coarse threads into silver rods to create crude silver  wood screws.  I pound one end into a form that creates oversized screw heads and I cut slots for a driver.  The holes are countersunk slightly, and after the screws are installed, I file off the heads.  Simple silver nails might be all that is needed, but I like the idea of the threads for extra security. Thanks for looking James.  I like the design too.  It is inspired by Henry Delany.  Please forgive my pretensions to doing art and worse, trying to explain it but the top mimics the shell carving around the standing breech.  However, it is morphing slightly into a floral design.  The bottom is all leaf so the transition is complete and it compliments the floral sideplate inspired by Freeman.  I apologize for the explanation but I get excited about these things.  Some might say I am a "little eccentric".

dave  

Love the detailed explanation Dave.
I have only had opportunity to get into a handful of original English pieces using wrist escutcheons. All had employed a screw boss in back accessed from under the trigger guard for the screw. I have seen American pieces use pins. Are there examples of English pieces utilizing pins for attachment as well.

[thimble rig]

Excellent job.Thats beautiful,and it is going to really good on your rifle.I wish I could go to dixions and see how you accomplish this feat.Its always good to get really excited about the tings we do.Thanks for posting.

[smart dog]

Hi James!
Thanks for that information.  Now that you raised that point, I am reminded that I have not seen any evidence on British long guns that pins are used.  I just assumed they hid them well.  I certainly have examined Brown Besses with the arrangement that you describe and looking at my own original English fowler, I can see no clear evidence of pins. I am very reluctant to pull the trigger guard because Jim Kibler replaced the front finial, which is soldered on but certainly the wrist plate does not show any pins.  It would be very easy to simply cast a boss on the back of the plate and use a screw from underneath.  I should be able to hide the pins on the current plate very well.  With careful countersinking, peening, and polishing, they should virtually disappear.  However, I am going to glue a small boss on the back of the wooden model so the next casting has a boss for a screw.  That is certainly a very secure way to anchor the plate.  Thanks again James.

dave

[smart dog]

Thanks Thimble Rig,
I hope my casting demo at Dixon's goes well.  Regarless it will be fun and I am excited to meet ALR folks.

dave 

[tallbear]

Great stuff Dave,look forward to watching your demo!!!!!!!!!!!!


Mitch

[James Rogers]

Yes, I will be sorry to miss that demo Dave!!
I have been wanting to get some of that clay and try it.

[acorn20]

Hi Dave,

Describing the technique you used to cast your silver pieces certainly held my interest at Dixon's.  That silver side plate you cast in three pieces, then silver soldered together, was simply stunning.  I appreciated the time you and the others took to explain and answer the many questions about the trade.

Dan

[Swampwalker]

Dave,

I also wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your delft clay casting demonstration.  It has prodded me towards finally getting the materials together to do some of my own.  Thanks so much for your time and patience answering my questions.

Dave B.