montraville plott percussion bear pistol

[mlbrant]

Can anyone direct me to a pic. Does anyone know the barrel length of the pistol and the caliber?

[Dennis Glazener]

email sent
Dennis

[Notchy Bob]

First of all, I apologize if I'm not supposed to resurrect long-buried posts.  Not sure what the rules are on that.

Anyway, I've taken an interest in the Appalachian "Bear Pistols" that pop up on this forum from time to time, and I've been poking around the web to see what's out there.  The most productive "hits" resulting from the searches have led directly back to this forum.  However, I did find this, which may be of some interest:  National Plott Hound Association News.  As near as I can determine, this newsletter dates to October, 2010.  It has a couple of pretty good B&W photos of Mont Plott's famous pistol and its holster, as well as additional photos of accoutrements, some southern rifles, and a few other firearms.  The text is interesting.  While it does not provide the specific detail folks like us want to see regarding the guns, it is well written.  There are some nice pictures of Plott puppies, too.  I don't own a Plott hound, but I'll admit to being a fool for dogs in general.

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

[Dennis Glazener]

First of all, I apologize if I'm not supposed to resurrect long-buried posts.  Not sure what the rules are on that.

Anyway, I've taken an interest in the Appalachian "Bear Pistols" that pop up on this forum from time to time, and I've been poking around the web to see what's out there.  The most productive "hits" resulting from the searches have led directly back to this forum.  However, I did find this, which may be of some interest:  National Plott Hound Association News.  As near as I can determine, this newsletter dates to October, 2010.  It has a couple of pretty good B&W photos of Mont Plott's famous pistol and its holster, as well as additional photos of accoutrements, some southern rifles, and a few other firearms.  The text is interesting.  While it does not provide the specific detail folks like us want to see regarding the guns, it is well written.  There are some nice pictures of Plott puppies, too.  I don't own a Plott hound, but I'll admit to being a fool for dogs in general.

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

You need to get a copy of Bob Plott's book "Strike and Stay" the story of the Plott Hound. He has a lot of info on Mount Plott. If I remember his book on Great Smoky Mountain Hunters has a photo of Mont's bear pistol.
Dennis

[Notchy Bob]

Thanks, Dennis.  I'll look it up.  I think it is still in print.

Notchy Bob

[Tim Crosby]

 Good read, Thanks Bob.

   Tim C.

[Cades Cove Fiddler]

  ... Is a great book, Bob,...as all of his books are,... he does several live presentations in the NC western mountain region throughout the year,... couple coming-up soon in the Haywood Co., area... If you live or ever visit this Smoky Mountain area, you should try to attend one of his events,... He is a great speaker and champion of Appalachian Mountain life in general,... regards,... Cades Cove Fiddler...

[Elnathan]

First of all, I apologize if I'm not supposed to resurrect long-buried posts.  Not sure what the rules are on that.

Anyway, I've taken an interest in the Appalachian "Bear Pistols" that pop up on this forum from time to time, and I've been poking around the web to see what's out there.  The most productive "hits" resulting from the searches have led directly back to this forum.  However, I did find this, which may be of some interest:  National Plott Hound Association News.  As near as I can determine, this newsletter dates to October, 2010.  It has a couple of pretty good B&W photos of Mont Plott's famous pistol and its holster, as well as additional photos of accoutrements, some southern rifles, and a few other firearms.  The text is interesting.  While it does not provide the specific detail folks like us want to see regarding the guns, it is well written.  There are some nice pictures of Plott puppies, too.  I don't own a Plott hound, but I'll admit to being a fool for dogs in general.

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

The Amos Plott rifle looks like an Henry Derringer. That eagle patchbox was a standard pattern he used, particularly on US contract pieces.

I read A History of Hunting in the Great Smokey Mountains and wasn't particularly impressed. Some interesting anecdotes and  biographical sketches of notable hunters, but not much else - the chapters on the Cherokee are suspect at best and he doesn't bother to do any kind of analysis on the post-1800 mountaineer hunters. If you are looking for a good book on period hunting techniques, the role of hunting in Appalachian culture, or how much wild game they actually ate, this ain't it. Maybe his other books are better.

[Cades Cove Fiddler]

  ... Nathan,... you must not have read any of the other books,... Bob covers several of the famous mountain hunters of the time period of 1870's up until the present,... May I suggest you read them all, and if ever have the opportunity , go see his presentation in person,... he does a great job of revealing the western North Carolina culture, from a hunting and over-all viewpoint,... regards,... CCF...