Rifleman1776 said:
Gold was mentioned. That it would be used in a touchhole or flash pan is a puzzlement to me.
Doesn't gold melt at low temps? Methinks it might have been used only for show of opulance.
Melting of the gold on the pan was apparently not a problem, but there were other problems associated with its use. Cleator, 1789:
"Gold pans are of very little advantage; for as the iron must be softened before they can be applied, it is very liable to rust, and thus destroy its connection with the gold; the tin, also, by means of which the gold lining is fixed, is frequently melted by the fire of the fuse being directed upon the bottom of the pan, and the gold thereby detached from its hold; this will happen more readily when the touch-hole is placed very low, and when, from its form or width, the fire of the fuse is considerable. A great improvement, however, has lately been made in the manner of putting in the gold pans; they are now “DOVETAILED” in, before the lock-plate is hardened, by which means they seldom or ever “BLOW” out; and it is now found that they will stand better than any other species of pan, provided that the lock is eased from the touch-hole, or taken off when the barrel is taken out of the stock. Still we are of the opinion that the steel pan will be found, with common care in cleaning it, to last as long, and to answer every purpose as well, as when lined with gold."
I have a few references to "gold touch holes".
Spence