Wood or brass patch box

[Cuboodle]

I know wood is standard fair on the Chambers MS Virginia rifle. Would a Klette style brass patch box be appropriate to use for a 1770 style or would this be taboo to break the rule. I'm not trying to copy a particular rifle but I like both and can't decide. I did see a JC MS Virginia here with a brass box it looked like it fit the period well. Your thoughts are appreciated as I'm doing one or the other this weekend.

[smart dog]

Hi,
A two- or four-piece brass patchbox should be fine.  The only trouble with the brass patch boxes is they need engraving IMO.  Although there certainly were 2 and 4-piece brass patchboxes without engraving and a few looked good that way.  I would keep it simple and without piercings for an early period.

dave

[M. E. Pering]

We know that there were brass patchboxes in the 1760s.  I see no problem with using one, but they would not have been in common usage in the 1760s.  It was also illegal to import unworked brass to the colonies at the time too, so any brass that was available was recycled from old brass, making it even more rare.  More British protectionism for English industry.  If you do decide on brass, I would keep it very simple as Smart Dog suggested, but with at least some engraving.  Fortunately, it is not hard to be an engraver as accomplished as most of the ancient gunsmiths... Most weren't that good, their work being little more than chicken scratches in the metal.  Of course, some were exceptional.

Matt

[Mark Elliott]

That MS rifle is a James River basin rifle.  I wouldn't go toward a Klette style box.   Look more to Rockbridge County influences with a more geometrical box.

[Cuboodle]

Thanks for turning on the lightbulb Mark. I've decided to go with wood as the rockbridge style is beyond my capabilities and the architecture of the MS kit is James River. BTW I am a big fan of your work

Matt

[EC121]

Go to my blog to see an MS Virginia kit with a Klette box it.  April 2016.  It also has a modified trigger guard with a more curved grip rail.   www.bricestultzhisblog.blogspot.com  Since 99% of the people wouldn't know a James River style from a Thompson Center "Hawkens", I like it and am not very worried about historical correctness.  However, the big expanse of brass would look better engraved.