B|lker said:
The center hole is about 9/16 inch.
The outer six holes are about 3/8 inch.
Still researching pistols, but it has notches on the outer edge which make me think it was moved by an independent cog or gear.
Thanks for everyones input
Hi Bllker !
I agree with Scott(Mid-Mich).........part off of a sixshooter.
In addition, it appears to be from a very
old revolver/sixshooter.
Having a background in the custom gear mfg. business, it looks to me like a cast metal part (Probably cast iron or steel). The gear teeth on the outer rim could have been actuated by an engaging metal finger linked to the trigger.
The part you found would be affixed to the front of the cylinder, probably via those little nubs, and acts as a clocking divice, to rotate the cylinder
and bring the next cartridge in line with the gun bore.
I don't think you will find the part in any modern-day gun books, like Numrich Gun Parts, etc.. Look in antique handgun books & catalogs, or go
on the web and start with a generic term, like "Antique Handguns" and if this doesn't get you anywhere, just fiddle around with other terms until you
hit on something. When you find a good site, look for schematic drawings, otherwise known as "Exploded" drawings. Unless you get
real lucky,
you will be on the computer for a long time.
At first, I thought those six smaller holes were what we call in the gear mfg.
business "lightening holes" , which are typical on a lot of gear castings to
reduce weight, but since there are six of these small holes, I changed my
mind to a sixshooter, as Bllker said. The fit of the cartridge case would be
with the cylinder holes, whereas the six holes in the part you found are
just "clearance" holes.
The rest of the gun (assembly of hand grip, frame & barrel) might still be in the ground near where you found the recovered item. If so, this could lead to a positive identification. You might want to go back there and search some more.
Also, the rest of the revolver being much heavier as an assembly, might be quite deep and beyond the reach of your detector.
Do you have a big shovel ?
Good Luck !
Todd