Here are the punt gun crew, members of the Albion rural militia. Blind Hugh helps his friend , Albert, to carry the punt gun into position, whereupon Albert fires it. They have worked together for years.
A spare figure obviously meant to push a wheel barrow gave me the idea for the punt gun carriers. The punt gun is a musket extended by means of part of a biro. Here is a photo below of a real punt gun-
Looks bigger than a Russian WW2 anti tank rifle!
ReplyDeleteMuch bigger and imho far more impressive.
DeleteA lovely piece of work. Well done.
ReplyDeleteRonnie
Thank you.
DeleteAccording to Eunan O'Halpin's book Defending Ireland, a Local Defence Force unit of the Irish Army in Co. Louth was equipped in 1941 with a number of flintlock weapons that had been gifted to them. Among these guns was a weapon described as being a "nine-foot [long] blunderbuss", which could be more commonly understood to be a punt gun. Wikipedia entry on Punt Guns
ReplyDeleteThat is such an interesting piece of info Mark.
DeleteImpressive conversion and a lesson in history all at once. Never heard of a punt gun.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Ross
https://youtu.be/_cO2D4rjQ1o For an interesting video.
DeleteAmazing info and conversion Alan! That's a new one for sure, great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much.
DeleteA neat little conversion. My grandfather used punt guns on the Norfolk Broads in the 30s.
ReplyDeleteDid he talk much about using them or still have them when you knew him?
DeleteYou'll find punt guns among the Irish during the 1798 Rising. As I understand it, their normal peacetime use was largely against waterfowl, and might just conceivably--though surely not in Ireland!--shade into poaching or exceeding game limits.
ReplyDelete1798 too , fascinating!
DeleteJust to add to other comments, my grandfather used a punt gun in the 30s for ducks etc, on the Cromarty Firth, they walked for a good few miles to get the best spot for hunting, don't envy them carting that piece of artillery for any distance!
ReplyDeleteA heavy carry indeed l imagine but possibly lighter than say a Bren Gun?
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