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Unusual nipple drum!

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Erick

32 Cal
Joined
Sep 28, 2020
Messages
11
Reaction score
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I have a percussion rifle in .32cal with an unusual nipple drum. The drum has a threaded nipple on top with a attached tool to remove. I have never seen this setup before. The rifle has no markings ! It is a carbine style with short hand stock. I have no idea when this rifle was produced. I would appreciate any knowledgeable information pertaining to this weapon. I will be glad to forward pictures to anyone interested.
Thank in advance for your help!
Steve Pelhan
[email protected]
 

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Pretty neat little rifle you have there my friend.

Definitely not an expert or authority on English made guns but that’s what I’m guessing?

The trigger guard coupled with the checkering on the stock screams English to me.

Regardless, would love to see more pictures of the rifle. The entire length, more of the bolster (nipple drum). The front and rear sights. Pictures of any stamping’s/markings on the barrel? More of the nipple removal tool? Butt plate, top and bottom view of rifle.

Lastly, it’s kinda hard to guess or actually confirm without more detailed pictures my friend?

Respectfully, Cowboy
 
Cowboy,
Thank you for your reply! I have posted additional pictures that might help. The rifle had a George Lawrence sling. I am away from the house at the moment so a complete picture will follow.
Thanks again,
Steve
 

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Very interesting, I wonder what problem they were trying to solve?
Rafterob,
Interesting indeed! The drum attached to the breach seems excessive to me and other than simplicity of cleaning I can visualize its purpose. The tool attached only removes the nipple assy. I guess having it attached would not require one to carry a tool for removal. I must be missing something here because it is a lot of work that doesn’t really appear worthwhile considering all the percussion rifles made with a simpler nipple drum!
Thanks for responding,
Steve
 
I'll bet Track doesn't have a replacement for that nipple. I wonder if they came up with the problem before or after they came up with the solution. Interesting, would like to see more photos of the gun.
 
Is the nipple and drum one piece or can the nipple also be removed from the drum, neat stuff you never know what will show up.
 
additional photos!
 

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Kansas Jake,
The one picture shows the drum without the nipple assy. It is deep and I would guess it would be possible to put a small amount of powder. I’m not sure what the purpose would be since the ignition should be from the cap. I also think removing this assy each time you fired would be cumbersome at best . It is peculiar but obviously had a purpose I’m overlooking. I can’t visualize why this drum would be designed as such. Definitely more expensive with what appears to be little value. Maybe a prototype of some sort. I have canvased the weapon and can only find a 2 on the barrel, hammer, and drum. I’ve researched marks thinking it may be someone’s mark but could not find anything that resembles a 2.
Thanks for your interest!
Steve
 
Phil,
Interesting thought, but I can’t see how you could insert any type of projectile through this breach. I’m hoping someone has seen this setup before. I have made many rifles and I have not ever seen this design.
Thanks for responding,
Steve
 
Phil,
Interesting thought, but I can’t see how you could insert any type of projectile through this breach. I’m hoping someone has seen this setup before. I have made many rifles and I have not ever seen this design.
Thanks for responding,
Steve
Another thought, there is no other cleaning hole!
 
Could a ball be dropped into the open breech and then a charge of powder. Some thing along the line of a screw barrel pistol but the nipple assembly is screwed over the breech of the barrel.
 
Did the nipple have a plunger of some kind to set off detonating powder, like the Forsythe system?
 

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