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Post by hawkeyes on Mar 9, 2020 5:29:53 GMT -7
An interesting read I came across in passing. This is a subject long debated amongst many, to brown or not? I personally have not came across any concrete evidence that it was done in the colonies during the period. The document mentions browning being done since the middle part of the century, however I cannot nail this opinion down with fact. Take it as you will, I'd very much favor more supporting evidence if anyone has it. However, concerning the bess it's a good snippet to read over. www.militaryheritage.com/browning.htm |
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Post by spence on Mar 9, 2020 7:33:09 GMT -7
I personally have not came across any concrete evidence that it was done in the colonies during the period. "The Pennsylvania Gazette May 2, 1781 Perkin and Coutty, At the corner of Second and Spruce streets, Philadelphia, BEG leave to acquaint their Friends and the Public in general, that they carry on the GUN and PISTOL making in all its branches, where gentlemen may be supplied with Guns and Pistols of the neatest and best quality, on the shortest notice and most reasonable terms. They also blue and brown Gun Barrels in the neatest manner. N.B. A small quantity of Ship Musquets to sell." _Practical Instructions for Military Officers, for the District of Massachusetts_, Epaphras Hoyt, published 1811 pg. 111 The non commissioned officers and privates of rifle corps are to be armed with good rifle guns, the barrel of which should be from three to three and an half feet in length, and always kept brown. Spence |
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Browning
Mar 9, 2020 7:51:30 GMT -7
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Post by hawkeyes on Mar 9, 2020 7:51:30 GMT -7
Just want I wanted, thank you spence much appreciated. From my reckoning the process was not common during the rev war as others up until we hit the later part of the period and into the 19th century.
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Post by spence on Mar 9, 2020 8:18:10 GMT -7
Not in the colonies, but in England 1780s, An Essay on Shooting, by Wm. Cleator gives some interesting history of what was happening in that respect there and then.
pg. 24 "The last operation is that of colouring the barrel, previous to which it is polished with fine emery and oil, until it presents to the eye throughout its whole length, and in whatever direction we observe it, a perfectly smooth, equal, and splendid surface. Formerly, barrels were coloured by exposing them to a degree of heat which produced an elegant blue tinge; but as this effect arises from a degree of calcination taking place upon the surface of the metal, the inside of the barrel always suffered by undergoing the same change. This, therefore, added to the painful sensation excited in the eye by looking along a barrel so coloured, has caused the practice of blueing to be disused for some time past. Instead of it, barrels are now browned, as it is termed. To do this, the barrel is rubbed over with aqua fortis [nitric acid] or spirit of salt [hydrochloric acid], diluted with water, and laid by until a complete coat of rust is formed upon it; a little oil is then applied; and the surface being rubbed dry, it is polished by means of a hard brush, and bees wax."
Spence
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Browning
Mar 9, 2020 8:50:51 GMT -7
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Post by hawkeyes on Mar 9, 2020 8:50:51 GMT -7
Excellent passge, certainly be adding that to the collection. Thank you for sharing!
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