Posted on 09/04/2012 5:43:39 PM PDT by perfect stranger
This unusual weapon was designed by Isaiah Jennings of New York in 1821. Unlike most rifles of the time, the user didn't have to reload after each shot:
The multi-shot rifle illustrated takes twelve individual, superposed loads of powder and ball, one on top of each other, and is fitted with twelve individual touchholes, each with a swivel cover which also act to position and align the lock as it slides from its forward position towards the rear to align the shots in reverse order.
http://www.nealauction.com/archive/1206/lot/weapons/
http://beemans.net/lewis-assault-rifle.htm
Link to another very interesting, even astonishing air rifle used by Lewis on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Long, detailed history and description and pics. Twenty-two large caliber rounds.
Obviously there was no powder to keep dry.
Jonathan Browning, John’s Father developed a five or six shot percussion rifle. It was basically a flat bar of steel with six holes drilled all the way through.
Each hole contained a complete charge of powder ball and nipple for the cap. The bar fit in a slot through the barrel.
I can’t remember how each shot was advanced but it was probably done by means of cocking the hammer. Really pretty ingenious and the apple didn’t fall far from the tree with John.
Now that I think about it, it might have been flintlock.
Wow, is it well-made, especially considering the era. I wonder if it actually COST $15,000 in the equivalent dollar of the time.
Great find, thanks!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.