Search This Blog

Friday, November 18, 2016

The Belgian Behemoth Wall Gun



Wall guns, rampart guns, turret guns, fortress guns, "Jingals," and boat guns, are all names used to describe essentially the same weapon, though for this article they will be referred to primarily as "wall guns" if for no other reason than it is shorter to type.

These guns can essentially be described as massive longarms. Initially designed as muskets, but developing into rifles as the technology became available, these guns are roughly the height of a man and accompanied by an appropriately large bore...



Wednesday, November 9, 2016

The Civil War Surgeon's Educated Colt Revolver

11/12/2016


There are times when you can look at a gun and know it has a story or two to tell. Guns that have earned their own name increase this likelihood exponentially. Take some famous examples, such as "The Hand of God" in the movie 3:10 to Yuma or Davy Crockett's "Old Betsy." Of course, this practice of naming weapons is not new, with references extending as far back as Thor's hammer Mjölnir and Beowulf's sword Naegling. Even in antiquity folks had a fondness for high-performing weapons that had gotten them through some tight spots.

The cased and silver plated Colt 1849 pocked of this article seemed destined to offer such services. Its silver finish beckons to the viewer - seldom does a revolver that can view its sesquicentennial in the rear view mirror possess such a lustre. Just like a bass tracking down a spinner bait, the shiny parts get the attention and draw you in, but this gun sets the hook deep when collectors see the numerous inscriptions on the prized revolver.