Flintlocks
Posted by Captain Everett on June 11, 1998 at 22:09:48:
In response to Ouch! It might have been painful!, written by Michele V. on June 11, 1998 at 07:15:11
]
] Thank you gentlemen for protecting my hero from what might have been a violent conflagation! I was going to write a scene involving preparation for a confrontation, but I now see that he would likely be his own victim ;-)
I wouldn't entirely rule it out. It was not uncommon for men to carry a pistol in the pocket of a greatcoat when travelling certain parts of the city or countryside. If confronted by someone brandishing a pistol, I wouldn't bet on it not going off. It's just that, unlike modern or even pecussion cap ignition, a flintlock is not anything near guaranteed to work. Percival was successfully shot by his assassin. However, there was an attempt on an American President's life (I forget which one) with two flintlock pistols; both misfired. If you want to discuss specific details without revealing them on this Board, feel free to contact me by e-mail.
I remain, etc.
Jason E.
Posting followups to old messages is disabled; instead go to the main index and post a new message which mentions this one.
