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Welcome back to your corner of the Armory Hill Web site. This is where you can send your questions on just about any topic of our hobby. We've received some new questions from our readers and have done our best to answer them. If there's something we can help you with we'll try to find out for you or at least point you in the right direction. Send your questions to us at staff@armoryhill.com.
Does anybody still make fur felt hats that are period correct and well made?---R.G. in Carmel, CA
You bet, R.G. Try the Clearwater Hat Company in Newnata, Arkansas. They offer what I consider to be the finest historical headgear on the market. Period. They have hats from the colonial and Revolutionary War periods through the Fur trade Era and Civil War up to quailty reproductions of some of the Wild West's finest. Don't forget to check out their line of some of the great Hollywood Hats as well.---JBW
Where can I get primitive round ball moulds?---R.L.R. from the Internet
Try The Rapine Bullet Mould Mfg. Co. They produce a line of fine primitive moulds very close to original 18th century styling. They are small enough to fit into your shooting pouch and feature an integral sprue cutter. They normally sell for just under $50.---JBW
I saw "The Gunsmith of Williamsburg" in about 1975. Can you tell me what they used to finish the stock? I remember that they brushed someting on it and then held a heated metal rod near it to bring out the color.---R.F. from the Internet
Wallace Gusler used a fairly common, for the time, solution for stock coloring. It is made by dissolving iron filings in dilute nitric acid. Once the solution was applied and heated it was allowed to dry, then rubbed with boiled linseed oil to seal the stock. It is still offered for sale today by various suppliers for those who wish to recreate a truly 18th century finish. Check with either The Log Cabin Shop or Dixie Gun Works.---JBW
I would like to know if there is a date for a reenactment of the battles of Lexington and Concord at the Minute Man National Park historic site. There is usually one on or around Patriot's Day (April 19th).---J.P. from the Internet
Well, J.P., I send an email to the folks at MIMA (MInute MAn) asking what the schedule for this year's Patriot's Day was. The staff kindly responded with the following note.
"Last year, being the 225th anniversary of the Battles of April 19, 1775, there was a full day of reenacted battles. Groups did come from all across the states as well as Canada and Great Britain. In all there were over 3,500 reenactors involved. This year most of those folks will be taking it easy. The only 'battle' planned will be on Lexington Green at 6:00 am on Monday, April 16."
Hope you're going to make it, J.P.---JBW
One of my ancestors was named Henry Koch. I know he was a German speaking gunsmith in central Pennsylvania (Harrisburg area) in the late 1700's - 1800s. I don't know if he made rifles, muskets, or both. I would like to know if any of his pieces still exist. I know he marked his pieces with a "K" but that's about it. Can you think of anyone who would be able to help me?---R.B.---the Internet
My preliminary investigations haven't turned up anything on a Henry Koch. I did find a Henry Koons in Adams County, Pennsylvania. As most of the available information on the gunsmiths of that era is derived from local tax records the potential for messpellings is quite high, especially when dealing with individuals whose primary language was not English.
Joe Knidig, Jr, in his book "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" eescribes the work of Henry Koons as "good"..."far from poor"..."but not masterful."
George Shumway is probably one of America's foremost authorities on the American longrifle. You may write to him at:
George Shumway Publishers 3900 Deep Run Lane York, PA 17402-8314
Hope this helps and best of luck.---JBW
Well, that's it for another edition of "Ask the Staff." Keep the questions coming, we love to answer 'em.---JBW