I've always been an avid reader. Growing up, there was nothing more appealing than a good book to whisk me away on some grand adventure. When I was a young boy of eight or nine, my favorite reading subject was Daniel Boone.
I read every book on Daniel that my library had. In my mind I was right next to him as he blazed new trails and explored the wilderness. My musket held at the ready in case we were attacked by a bear or mountain lion.
So imagine my surprise when I went down into the basement storage at work and found an antique muzzle loaded musket, just like my old friend Daniel Boone used to carry.
I don't know how old this gun is or anything about it's history, but you can still see the place where a former owner carved his initials in the stock.
Of course, it came complete with a metal ramrod for tamping down the powder charge.
Here's a quick view of the reverse side.
And here is a close-up of the flintlock firing mechanism. You can see the frizzen and the priming pan which held the priming power that was ignited by sparks generated from the flint striking the frizzen. Once the powder in the pan ignited, the flame passed through the small hole in the barrel to the main powder charge and the gun discharged.
Of course, you need a powder flask and a pouch with lead shot to complete your outfit.
I wonder what interesting items I'll find next as I continue to explore What's in the Basement?
Until next time...
Proud member of 
