Thread: Blissett help?
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Old May 4, 2009, 11:03 PM   #6
Jim Watson
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Join Date: October 25, 2001
Location: Alabama
Posts: 19,190
Well the percussion hammer whacks a percussion cap which is filled with a chemical mix similar to the priming compound in a cartridge primer. It ignites when struck and the flame goes down the hole in the nipple into the load of black powder (and ONLY black powder.)

A flintlock swings an actual piece of flint rock against a piece of steel ( the frizzen) and strikes sparks which fall into a priming pan of very fine black powder on the side of the barrel and ignites it. The flame goes through a flash hole into the barrel and lights the full load of black powder.

I guess you could call Mr Blissett a one off maker. There were few standard models in those days, except for military weapons, the makers turned out guns to order or made what they thought would sell.
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