Let's see some pic's of your SxS's & O/U's

Anyone know the origin of the teardrop on the wood? Just ornamental decoration or did it at one time serve a purpose?

The teardrop, or drop point, has been around as long as bar locks have been in use, so since the days of the flintlock. They were not as common as they are seen today and may have evolved along with the shape of the lock plate. It was not uncommon for flintlock plates to have a rearward 'tail', that could be pointed or square-tipped. Usually, a small border of wood around the lock plate was left flattened to match the lock plate surface, and for a plate with a 'tail,' the resulting projection of the flat border could be left as-is or further shaped into the teardrop. The teardrop behind the lock plate was carried over to percussion guns with bar locks, through the pin-fire era, and on to central-fire guns with bar locks. The practice further carried over to boxlocks, where the flat sidepanels of the stock has to transition to the curve of the hand. That part could be left pointed, curved, or given teardrops for an extra flourish.

So, it was always ornamental, where a stock maker could add a bit of flair to an otherwise standard shape.

No post in this thread should be without a picture, so here is a teardrop on a W.W. Greener pin-fire.

gXQ7edu.jpg
 
The teardrop, or drop point, has been around as long as bar locks have been in use, so since the days of the flintlock. They were not as common as they are seen today and may have evolved along with the shape of the lock plate. It was not uncommon for flintlock plates to have a rearward 'tail', that could be pointed or square-tipped. Usually, a small border of wood around the lock plate was left flattened to match the lock plate surface, and for a plate with a 'tail,' the resulting projection of the flat border could be left as-is or further shaped into the teardrop. The teardrop behind the lock plate was carried over to percussion guns with bar locks, through the pin-fire era, and on to central-fire guns with bar locks. The practice further carried over to boxlocks, where the flat sidepanels of the stock has to transition to the curve of the hand. That part could be left pointed, curved, or given teardrops for an extra flourish.

So, it was always ornamental, where a stock maker could add a bit of flair to an otherwise standard shape.

No post in this thread should be without a picture, so here is a teardrop on a W.W. Greener pin-fire.

gXQ7edu.jpg

That is a beautiful piece. Thanks for the explanation. I had always assumed it was just for looks.
 
Just back from a trip to Stillwater Restorations. Many thanks to Chris Dawe on his exceptional work. His photography skills are better than mine as well, pics by the tree are ones he sent me. 😄

A before and after:

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Apologies to hijack the thread but I am sure I will be forgiven given the Cultural Significance…

Its extremely festive out here in London (I happen to be here coincidentally for work this week) today on the eve of the coronation. BTW I also visited Purdey and FBeesley locations…

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Hardly a highjack....it's the British aristocracy that gave us the guns we so admire on this thread. What a great time to be there. Have fun.
 
Well I finally joined the SxS fraternity. Made my first SxS purchase. :d

I won't say what I purchased at this time but it fit my requirements as an American Classic and really drew me to it though I am certain it is not everyone's cup of tea.

I spent about 15 minutes texting back and forth with Chris Dawe on his opinion of the gun and purchase price before pulling the trigger. Fortunately Chris knew the gun and as I suspected was the fellow who restocked the gun and checkered it in an original checkering pattern. I can't wait to get it in hand and burn some of my Bismuth through it this fall on late season Greenheads. I'll post pics when it arrives! To say I am pumped is kind of an understatement! w:h:
 
Well I finally joined the SxS fraternity. Made my first SxS purchase. :d

I won't say what I purchased at this time but it fit my requirements as an American Classic and really drew me to it though I am certain it is not everyone's cup of tea.

I spent about 15 minutes texting back and forth with Chris Dawe on his opinion of the gun and purchase price before pulling the trigger. Fortunately Chris knew the gun and as I suspected was the fellow who restocked the gun and checkered it in an original checkering pattern. I can't wait to get it in hand and burn some of my Bismuth through it this fall on late season Greenheads. I'll post pics when it arrives! To say I am pumped is kind of an understatement! w:h:

Welcome aboard the SxS fraternity.
By all means, keep us posted.
 
Well I finally joined the SxS fraternity. Made my first SxS purchase. :d

I won't say what I purchased at this time but it fit my requirements as an American Classic and really drew me to it though I am certain it is not everyone's cup of tea.

I spent about 15 minutes texting back and forth with Chris Dawe on his opinion of the gun and purchase price before pulling the trigger. Fortunately Chris knew the gun and as I suspected was the fellow who restocked the gun and checkered it in an original checkering pattern. I can't wait to get it in hand and burn some of my Bismuth through it this fall on late season Greenheads. I'll post pics when it arrives! To say I am pumped is kind of an understatement! w:h:

You do know this thread is titled "Let's see some pics......" Laugh2
 
You do know this thread is titled "Let's see some pics......" Laugh2

Oh you will! The website pics are the _hits or I'd be posting!!

Welcome aboard Spank. Does this mean that you’re going to need to adapt to two triggers as well?

That is a resounding yes! Have no idea how I'll manage? Heck I can barely work a pump any more without messing up never mind figure out a second trigger! :runaway:

I suppose I'll have to buy a doubles mount for my Shotkam to video my proficiency with this new marvel of technology I have purchased which according to records I found online dates this gun manufactured in 1927. :p
 
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Well the gun has been shipped. I'll be home on July 9th from work for my next days off. Delivery standard shows July 12th so I should have it in hand once home to unbox. For now here is a sneak peak...these were from the dealers website. I'm sure some of you will recognize the pics from their ad.

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