Well, I finally got my pistol. It's been a long time coming.
I picked this one up from an online auction with just a few pictures and a little description on it. I didn't really know what I was getting into, but for $250 I took a chance.
From what I've found out, it is a .50 smoothbore made in Wurttemberg Germany some time in the early to mid 1800s.
I'm actually super happy with it.
My plan is to fix it up, and bring it back to shooting condition.
The barrel is in pretty great shape with some pitting by the breech, and it retains some original browning and case hardened finish. I will see how much I can clean up the bore, if it's too rough for shooting, I already talked to Bobby Hoyt, and will get it reamed out to .52 or .54 cal.
The nipple was rusted in, but with a bit of convincing it came out. Happily the threads in there look like they're sharp, and I just need a new nipple.
The lock is in great shape, with some beautiful original case hardened finish hiding under the hammer.
I took it apart, and cleaned and oiled it up.
It looks like all it will need it a new sear spring.
I will clean up and glue the break, and put a dowel down through the grip, under the butt cap, and a couple of wood screws under the trigger guard to hold it all together.
So, I think all I need is to fix the break, clean up the bore, get a new nipple and sear spring then she should be back to shooting.
I'll do another post when I get more work done on it.
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