Thank you Phil.
That was also part of what I wanted to know. Must have been interesting to work there.
Back in 1978 I bought a Shiloh '59 Carbine. It was a beautiful thing. But I could not get it to function properly. There were very few people that I could go to for help with it at that time.
Every shot, the breech froze solid.
No matter what I tried I got the same result.
Eventually I got frustrated and sold it to a CW reenactor.
Now some years later, I have time to solve the mystery (I always regretted selling that carbine).
The older IAB guns are very close to the Pittmans Notes drawings of the 1863 Sharps. And they are a good bit more affordable than an original or an American made rifle for me to play with.
After a good bit of scrutinizing historical documents, and harassing museum curators, and manufacturing engineers, I have more or less solved the majority of the issues I experienced back then.
Back in the 1860's the Sharps was capable of sustained fire and was a combat worthy weapon.
They did not have "O" rings or other of our modern "improvements" that so many now feel are necessary to fire these rifles reliably.
The powder that was produced back then was different than our modern black powder.
Ref:
Lucas R. Clawson
Hagley Historian
Hagley Museum and Library
Wilmington, Delaware, USA
[email protected]
(302) 658-2400, x319
www.hagley.org
*Mr. Clawson was a breath of fresh air with his knowledge. The Hagley Museum is located on the grounds of the original DuPont powder plant in Delaware. And he welcomes any questions on the subject of black powder.
With further research, the lubricants were different as well.
Petroleum based stuff is a fouling nightmare when combined with black powder residue.
In the 1860's Petroleum based lubricants were not the standard, animal based lubricants were.
Now that I know these things, Jojoba oil and beeswax lubricants and better burning powders than Goex have led to better results for me on the range.
I'd love to get an American built sporter '63 in 45 or 50 caliber. I'm just trying to find out what specs are on the chambers before I "pull the trigger"