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Teacher note: A number of students contributed to these pages on Colonial times. Each contributed diffferent information or a different perspective. You may find that each article adds to your understanding and research base.
Gunsmithing reqiured the skills of a blacksmith, whitesmith, founder, and woodworker to do fine work on iron and steel, to carve designs, to hammer silver into complex shapes, and to engrave hard and soft metals. These skills were usually learned in an apprenticeship lasting five to seven years. A male youth began his apprenticeship at the ages of 12 to 14 years and completed it by the time he was 21.
Gunsmiths worked in different settings. You would see this business near the blacksmith since both jobs were similar. The gunsmith would usually work in his own home which was also his workshop. His home would be in the town since there was a bigger possibility of work there.
The job of a gunsmith was greatly depended on and was probably
one of the biggest needs of a town. The society depended on this craft for defense
and many villagers used this craft as a weapon for hunting. I think that this
weapon produced a necessity to make it easier for the villager to hunt and defend
themselves. I do think that this was needed to survive because even though villagers
could of just made bows and arrows, the rifle was easier to use so it made it
easier to have meat for dinner. This craft was available from middle to low
class people. However, a gunsmith would not be able to get the money he deserved from
a person of a very low class. This craft was neccesary to the society for defense
from intruders such as Indians and for hunting food.
The gunsmith had many tools. Some of these tools included an anvil and a clamp used to hold the craft while they used the drill to drill a hole through the tip of the barrel. They had a pit for building a fire to heat up metal and steel to form into complex shapes. The gunsmith also had a hammer to shape the steel into the desired shape and size. Other tools were saws to shape the wooden body of a gun. Knives were also used to carve decorative designs in the woodwork.
There are things that would be satisfying about doing this craft such as the fact that you get a bigger knowledge of the craft and how to build it. I would like to do this work since i use guns to go hunting with my dad and I think it would be interesting to me. Today Gunsmithing is alot more advanced and does not require so much tools.
Colonial gunsmithing require the skills of a blacksmith, whitesmith, founder, and woodworker. The black smith and founder skills were used to make the barrel and the wood. Wood working skills were used to make the stock/handle black smith and whitesmith were used, to do fine finishing work on iron and steel, to carve decorative designs, to hammer and cast brass and silver to complex shapes, and to engrave hard and soft metals. These skills were usually learned in an apprenticeship lasting 5 to 7 years. A young teen age boy began his apprenticeships between the ages of 12 and 14 years and completed it by the time he was 21.
Imported firearms were cheaper then those made in Williamsburg.ere The gunsmith mainly repaired arms and other objects. Gunsmiths repaired axes and other items made by blacksmiths, cast shoe buckles and other items like bells, and repaired silver objects. A colonial gunsmith would have different settings. He would work at his own house. His shop would have his work shop on the first flour and he would sleep on the second flour.
The job of a gunsmith was greatly depended on and was probably one of the biggest needs in town. The people in town depended on guns to hunt, and to protect themseves from danger. I don't think that people at that time needed the guns if the could have made bow and arrows to hunt and to protect themselves. But guns were better because they could hit harder and at a greater distace than the bow and arrow.
The gunsmith had many tools. Some of these tool were drills, hammers, screw drivers, and chisels. The drills were used to shape the barrel. The inside of the bare would be shaped in form of a spiral for shooting accuracy. The hammers would be used to give the barrel a straight shape. The hammers would be also used to hammer gun peaces together such as the butt-plate, and the triger pieces. The screw divers and chisels would be used make and palce disings on to the gun.
In conclution the work done by colonial gunsmith was hard work becauseit took 5 to 7 years for someone to learn gunsmithing. This job has effected our lives today because guns are still used for protection and for hunting.
After
the hole is drilled the right size, the gunsmith works on making a wooden
stock. When the wooden stock has been roughly shaped, the barrel and stock
are joined. But before the barrel and stock are joined, he has to make a flintlock
and trigger. He would put them on the stock. When this is finished, the gunsmith
would carve designs on the stock and put sights (what you look through when
aiming at something) on the barrel. To make sure the gun works, he would have
to test it for accuracy. After the testing is complete, a stain is applied.
Now it is ready to be sold.This site is created and maintained by Holly
Geddes.
Last updated on
April 3, 2003