Sliding Patchbox question

[mjm46@bellsouth.net]

I'm working up my first sliding patchbox, on a York rifle. I have seen some where a small steel inset has been dovetailed into the buttplate at the latch location to minimize wear there from the latch. It's a nice touch, but was it common, or recommended?

[Dave B]

Just when you say they never did it that way some one will present the origial with the part in question. I have never personally seen an original with one of these. I liken it to the cool looking lock only to find inside it has a coil spring. It works fine but is not what one expects underneath. if you like the idea no one will be the wizer till its opened up. I know I prefer the way most all are made

[Jim Kibler]

This sort of thing could always have been a repair.  In general I would expect to see this sort of thing on a Germanic gun more so that American work.  Not that I can recall seeing it before though.

[Acer Saccharum]

I like Jim's take on this. A lot of use might cause the spring to wear the brass BP to the point where the lid is not retained securely. An iron insert would be a great fix.

[flintriflesmith]

The wood box rifle I made in 1973 for display in the CWF Gunshop has had the box opened and closed thousands of times and there is almost no wear to the brass. The smooth surface of a hard spring slides easily over the brass edge.

However I do remember seeing an original where there was a little flat nail driven into the wood about halfway between the butt piece and the cavity. It was likely first work or a very old repair since that is where the notch in the catch spring lined up.

Gary

[mjm46@bellsouth.net]

Thanks Guys, I guess i'll leave it brass.