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Author Topic: Damage to butt plate  (Read 1742 times)

Offline debnal

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Damage to butt plate
« on: January 16, 2021, 01:20:15 AM »
There is damage to the heel of the butt plate on this fowler. My friend has another fowler with very similar damage. I have also seen several others. My question is- what caused this?
My friend speculates that it's from dragging the butt along the ground during a march. Seems logical to me. Does anyone have another explanation?
Al

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Online rich pierce

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Re: Damage to butt plate
« Reply #1 on: January 16, 2021, 01:38:48 AM »
One possibility is it was formed of sheet brass and naturally thinned at the heel by peening in that bend. Then it easily wore through and subsequently was kinda smoothed up there to prevent grabbing on clothing. Just a guess.
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Andover, Vermont

Offline Avlrc

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Re: Damage to butt plate
« Reply #2 on: January 16, 2021, 01:58:27 AM »
Similar damage on this cheery stocked American Revolution Musket.  I like that kind of wear & tear, makes you know it was used a lot & probably seen some conflicts. 


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Offline ajcraig

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Re: Damage to butt plate
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2021, 08:23:13 PM »
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Offline flembo

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Re: Damage to butt plate
« Reply #4 on: January 17, 2021, 03:27:15 AM »
I would think from loading. Obviously it has had a lot of use.
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Offline Bob McBride

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Re: Damage to butt plate
« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2021, 04:25:24 AM »
Avlrc, that looks like evidence of the old pour the powder, spit the ball, bang the butt loading method.
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Online rich pierce

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Re: Damage to butt plate
« Reply #6 on: January 17, 2021, 04:30:40 AM »
Quote from: flembo on January 17, 2021, 03:27:15 AM
I would think from loading. Obviously it has had a lot of use.

I agree. On a long barreled gun, loaded in the field, that’s where the wear would be.
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Andover, Vermont

Offline Mike Brooks

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Re: Damage to butt plate
« Reply #7 on: January 21, 2021, 05:36:04 PM »
Really common on guns with sheet brass buttplate. Just from every day use, not intentional abuse.
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