Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Craftsmanship => Gun Building and Repair => Topic started by: Kermit on December 17, 2008, 04:35:19 PM

Title: Nekkid thumbplate
Post by: Kermit on December 17, 2008, 04:35:19 PM

I've got a totally unadorned nickel-silver thumbplate on my walnut stocked early Virginia .54 flinter, and I still can't decide what to get engraved thereon. I'm reluctant to monogram it with my initials, since I have been known to eventually sell guns--although in this case it will likely be my daughter who has to make that decision.

Are there PC issues here? What do you have on yours?  

Title: Re: Nekkid thumbplate
Post by: Capt. Jas. on December 17, 2008, 07:18:03 PM

There are many originals that have no engraving on the wrist escutcheons so leaving it blank would be OK.

How about just some chip border type engraving around the edges?

If it goes to your children, then your complete initials would be a good legacy and just the surname initial is good.

Coats of arms were also used by the wealthy that had them. Unfortunately there are very few individuals who qualify for a coat of arms today.

My son had his 3 initials on his gun. I will be doing the same.

Some would say the nickel content could be the most PC issue.

Title:
Post by: Uncle Russ on December 17, 2008, 08:06:44 PM

I don't see anything wrong with "Nekkid"...I'm sure most of us have spent considerable time thinking, "what I am going to do with this Plain Jane looking thing?".... and I would bet that few have gone further than just thinking about it.....

Having said all that, I am once again thinking about matching the thumbplate with a similar "whatever" on the side plate done by our own Captchee....but, then again, Plain Jane or nekkid just ain't all that bad either.

Sorry I couldn't offer something more positive but, to me, it's one of those personal things, if ya know what I mean..

Uncle Russ...

Title: Re: Nekkid thumbplate
Post by: RichW on December 17, 2008, 09:02:48 PM

Quote from: "Capt. Jas."

Coats of arms were also used by the wealthy that had them. Unfortunately there are very few individuals who qualify for a coat of arms today.

The fact that few were entitled to coats of arms never stopped anyone in Colonial America from using them... including a guy from Virginia named Washington.  

Title:
Post by: Capt. Jas. on December 18, 2008, 05:15:19 AM

Correct Rich. My comment was more for those of us today to keep from being duped by money grubbers. Wanted to point out a fact as many people have been swindled by being sold "information" on their fake family crest. There are businesses that spcialize in such.

regards

Title:
Post by: Captchee on December 18, 2008, 09:42:21 AM

dont know about the family crest issue ???
 i think as far as   the thumb pieces , there are literally  100's of different  designs  ranging from simply blank pieces  to  grotesque  designs .
 Now if we are down to what would have been on a given rifle ?
 I think it was and is still  a mater of personal preference

Title:
Post by: Uncle Russ on December 18, 2008, 10:40:21 AM

Quote from: "Capt. Jas."

Correct Rich. My comment was more for those of us today to keep from being duped by money grubbers. Wanted to point out a fact as many people have been swindled by being sold "information" on their fake family crest. There are businesses that spcialize in such.

regards

Ya get an AMEN on that swindle part, brother!

Over the years, I have come across enough BS concocted as "Family Crests" to burn me out on this idea.....it seems that, with only marginal imagination, there can be a "Royal Crest" for every surname with blood ties to some King, Prince, Duke, or Deutchess, while Founders of lost or forgotten lands are a dime a dozen.

Nekkid sounds better all the time.

Uncle Russ...