"Cows Knee" flintlock protector ?

[Scout]

Is there any historical record of these being used in the 18th or 19th century or is it something recent ?

[smokinbuck]

Scout,
Nothing new about a "cows knee". Had a friend with a West Virginia rifle, 1830 period, that had a cows knee with it. Original or not it was an old form fitting cover that had gotten hard as rock. We all felt it was legitimate to the rifle.
Mark

[Dphariss]

Is there any historical record of these being used in the 18th or 19th century or is it something recent ?

There is one with David Cooke's hunting pouch he was a well known hunter born in 1761 and passing in 1842.
Pg 257 of "Kentucky Rifles and Pistols 1750-1850"
The collection also includes a priming horn, a starter and a bullet board.

But when he started using this stuff is anyone's guess.

Dan

[Scout]

As usual I was able to tap into a wealth of information and knowledge.

My thanks to both of you for your replies.

Skip

[Luke MacGillie]

IIRC there was one recovered from Ft Ligoner, I dont have my copy of Grim's book handy.....

[Sir Michael]

I believe that the term "Cows Knee" is most likely a modern term.  In 1800 the British Army issued a "Lock Cover" or "Lock Cap" to every soldier in particular the Riflemen.  They were made of oiled cloth or leather.  One version even included pieces of sponge at each end to stop the flow of water.  However, that didn't work as well in practice as theory.  In 1811 a redesigned lock cover was experimented with that was intended to make it possible to load and shoot with it in place on the rifle or musket.  It didn't work out.

[smokinbuck]

Michael,
I'm not so sure that the term "cows knee" is particularly modern. If you look at the shape, it could have been cut out of the hide surrounding a cows knee. I think you will find references dating back a piece.
Mark

[Sir Michael]

If you've got a period reference to the term I'd love to see it.  Until then I'll continue to call it what they did.  Lock Cover.