Flints

[Mattnall]

I don't know much about flintlocks, having never fired one.
However, this was dug up in one of our fields last weekend whilst out for a socially distanced stroll and I have never seen a flint with a lead clamp. If it wasn't for the lead it would never have registered on the detector.

Was it common to use lead? I have only seen leather or similar material used to hold the flint.


Sorry for the poor quality of the image, I'll try better when I get my phone upgraded.

[dromia]

Aye lead was very common for holding flints, easy to get by just flattening out a musket ball.

Some swear by lead just as others swear by leather.

[Mattnall]

Thanks,
I did think a ready supply of lead would be the reason and a suitable material, I'd just not seen it used before.