OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

269660 "Joseph Sullivan" <joe@j...> 2020‑01‑13 Re: Whatsit??
Several months ago, Ed MInch said:

SNIP

GGG

Much better than a spill for gun work is a slow match.... get the operator as
far from the gun as possible because a blast of fire and brimstone come straight
up out of the touch hole when it fires - and also, the gun can recoil
unpredictably.  Check the smoke coming straight up out of the breech here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ruby1638/48514097566/in/dateposted-public/

No need of a slow match on a flintlock, of course, and canon had flintlocks
called gunlocks after the late 18th c.  And there are no cannon on a ship, just
guns.

END SNIP

Quite right about the match, Ed, but "just guns?"  Not Serpentines, Carronades,
and guns of various weights of throw?

BTW, did anyone else read the Aubrey-Maturin novel series, and if so, get to the
part where Lucky Jack Aubrey buys out the power from a defunct fireworks maker?
It propels loads alright, but sounds funny and makes tremendous flashed of
green, buke yellow or red depending on what barrel is used.  Very funny.

Joe

Recent Bios FAQ