Hi All,
Arguably the flagship piece of the Rhode Island Historical Society's Armament Collection is a musket attributed to Joseph Williams, the son of Roger Williams, the founder of our state. Its description is as follows: "Flintlock, large bore musket; has bayonet lug. Elaborate cheek-piece on stock, wood inlay. Initials "J" "W" 1667 etched on barrel, also 1779. Length:57 in."
It was allegedly "found in the rafters of the old Williams' home at Roger Williams Park" at some point and donated to the RIHS in 1916.
Since it's not my picture, nor my flintlock, below is a link to it:
http://rihs.minisisinc.com/RIHS_IMAGES/RHiX171156w.jpg
That's the only photo available. I realize it's not a lot to go on and I will take photos of my own when I next have the opportunity.
All that being said, do the picture and description match its timeline? I'm thinking that the bayonet lug must have been put on in the 18th Century, and that the current lock on it and maybe even the stock were as well. In short, nothing in the description nor photo screams 1600s to me, but that century is not one that I am terribly well-versed in.
Thanks for your help,
ken
Arguably the flagship piece of the Rhode Island Historical Society's Armament Collection is a musket attributed to Joseph Williams, the son of Roger Williams, the founder of our state. Its description is as follows: "Flintlock, large bore musket; has bayonet lug. Elaborate cheek-piece on stock, wood inlay. Initials "J" "W" 1667 etched on barrel, also 1779. Length:57 in."
It was allegedly "found in the rafters of the old Williams' home at Roger Williams Park" at some point and donated to the RIHS in 1916.
Since it's not my picture, nor my flintlock, below is a link to it:
http://rihs.minisisinc.com/RIHS_IMAGES/RHiX171156w.jpg
That's the only photo available. I realize it's not a lot to go on and I will take photos of my own when I next have the opportunity.
All that being said, do the picture and description match its timeline? I'm thinking that the bayonet lug must have been put on in the 18th Century, and that the current lock on it and maybe even the stock were as well. In short, nothing in the description nor photo screams 1600s to me, but that century is not one that I am terribly well-versed in.
Thanks for your help,
ken