Patchbox Release - Salem NC Vogler Style Sideplate Button

[Marcruger]

Hi Folks,

It came to my attention that the photo set describing this style patchbox release was vaporized in the PhotoBucket brew-hah-hah recently. 

Blake Stevenson, Manager of Vogler Gunsmith and Silversmith Shops at Old Salem (Winston Salem, North Carolina) graciously shared some old sketches he had of how these releases work based upon the original Voglers in the collection.  I drew up a "plan" based on the sketches, Blake edited it, and I am sharing the final version here.

The photos are of a Salem rifle Ed Wenger built, with a fully functional patchbox based upon Blake's advice. 

I hope this helps someone in the future.  Please contact me if you need further info.  The main unclear point from the photos is that the lower leg of the vee spring is sharpened on the side away from the calendar, and is driven into the wood to hold it in place.  The upper leg is free to act as a spring.  A great feature of this release is that it can be adjusted by simply taking off the buttplate. 

Best wishes, and God Bless,   Marc









anonymous image hosting

[BOB HILL]

Thanks for posting this, Marc.      Bob

[PPatch]

Really nice graphics and photos Marc. Thank you.

dave

[Daryl]

Nicely done, Mark. Word of caution, I think I see a small crack running out from the bottom tail of the spring.

If you drip some thin, or ultra-thin CA (airplane model stores) on the crack, the CA will wick into the crack and seal/repair it.

[rich pierce]

Seeing the complexity of patchbox releases and the work cutting out and inletting and engraving patchboxes, it's fascinating to think how much of the total labor of a longrifle build they can consume- and how high the demand must have been for this largely decorative feature.

[bama]

Thanks Marc

It was great meeting you at the CLA show and I agree that there was a ton of great work there to look at. It was also great that you posted these pictures of the Vogler release as I am getting ready to attempt this little chore myself. 

[Tim Crosby]

 Great post, Thanks Marc.

  Tim

[rich pierce]

Would like to see this moved into the tutorial section in a week or so.

[Marcruger]

Daryl,  You have proven yourself a friend yet again.  There was indeed a tiny crack there.  I couldn't see it with a magnifying glass, but could feel it with my fingernail. I did just as you suggested and wicked in some superglue.  My sincere thanks sir!  God Bless, and best wishes,   Marc

[Marcruger]

I am glad my post was of interest.  Of course, it is not my work or concept, I am simply the messenger.  I think it is very important to share what we know, and the longrifle community is generally very good at that.  My thanks to all who share ideas with me.  God Bless, and best wishes,   Marc

[Joe Schell]

Thanks for the pictures. I'm going to try one of those someday.

[L. Akers]

I used this type release on a rifle I recently completed and disguised the release button as the lower side plate screw. 

[greybeard]

I made mine with the pin hidden under the side plate.   Bob