This type of firearm was generally used to protect graves from grave robbers in the 18th century. These grave robbers worked at night so as not to be seen, but this also meant that they may not see these guns mounted on a grave, & would probably not see the trip wires. Several trip wires could be fitted to the trigger mechanism, running in different directions. This not only covered a wide area, but it also meant that any one of these wires could swivel the gun in the direction of the intruder.
Interesting; never heard of them!
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing.
ReplyDeleteIn Berryville, Arkansas, there is a gun museum that holds many crafty versions of fire arms.
Great post Keith!! I wonder what happened to the grave robbers that tripped one of these guns... Waste not want not... I'm sure they made use of a dead robber with no qualms!!
ReplyDeleteI have seen something similar for home security. I would have to think that being flintlock this device would have had to be covered with something to keep the any moister off the frizzen. And it must have had to be checked daily.
ReplyDelete