Can't describe the feeling

[capsoda]

Hey Kelley, with the dragon on it I'd say it was probably made in Europe, possibly France and came to Texas through Mexico. Maybe Mexican Army issue, used in some battle against those Rebeldes Tejanos like the ones that held the Alamo.

The brass cap looks like the hand end cap of the ramrod.

It might have been droped or thrown away by a local Indian.

I'd go over that hole area with a fine tooth comb and a magnifing glass.

Very cool finds man.

 

[Gunsmoke47]

Thanks Brian. Come up anytime and we'll have fun diggin for bottles, or metal detecting, or just drinkin Crown and swappin stories![] I have found out for sure what I discovered. It is a Northwest Barnett Trade Gun. Complete with Dragon/Serpent side plate! Early 1800's. Mystery solved thanks to Google and an area archaeologist I know.[] Kelley

 

[Gunsmoke47]

Thanks Cap. We went over the area really well...... As well as 2 detectors can in an area that vast. Had to be a rider tooling along and his gun fell apart. Boy I bet he was surprised the next time he needed it in a hurry![8|] Kelley

 

[capsoda]

Good deal Kelley, Glad you found the info you need.[]

Excellent finds.

 

[cc6pack]

Gunsmoke

I labeled a coupla the parts for you, I have some antique arms books if you need help in identifying.

 

[cc6pack]

pic

 

[Gunsmoke47]

Thanks a lot cc. That first question mark is the other end of the side plate. It snapped off. It's the end screwhole. Didn't know that other piece was the tumbler. I think that mashed piece might have gone on the end of the ramrod but it's hard to tell for sure. Thanks again for your research! Kelley

PS. You would think we would have found a couple more screws but we didn't.

 

[bearswede]

Here's a look at the complete piece...

http://www.thefurtrapper.com/trade_guns.htm

Ron

 

[Ye Olde Prospector]

Hi Ron,

That's an interesting article. I have dug up a few of those old scales with the hooks. Knew they were old scales but didn't know what they were called. Farmers probably used them for weighing meat and produce around here. Interesting.

Cliff

 

[capsoda]

Hey Kelly, The dragon side plate can be repaired if you can find someone that can do micro welding but you will lose the patina because it will have to be cleaned very well.
I mention this because I had a time with a customer that I did some work for who aparently didn't understand what the words "cleaned very well" ment. It ruined his patina.