Thanks for the great replys. Here are some facts:
Matchlock ignition. The serpentine has gold and ruby eyes and a spring loaded jaw that clamps the slow match. 15th century styling
Barrel: 1018,1084,15n20,203e cannister damascus and twisted
Bore the barrel: Mark Dehass
calibur: 38 (has a liner) was originally 58 cal. but because it went to Barbados it needed to be sized below .40
Axe Head: 1084 and 15n20 1000 layers of random forged to shape with laddered edges, bored and breeched for key.
Wood is fiddleback maple from Chuck Bybee
Springs: 1095
plates, snake, trigger housing and powder box is 1018
furniture: bronze
Ram rod stores in barrel (acme threads)
Trigger is folded. simply push the protruded portion forward and the trigger swings down and the snake lifts its head.
Jere Davidson: gold wire inlays and engraving
Jay Hendrickson: silver wire and MOP inlays in the wood
Doug Turnbull: blueing and color case hardening
Brian Bump: serpent design (he is my son)
photos: Badegallery (they were set up at the Oregon show)
I did take a long time because there was no blueprint to go by. Many of the parts were made 2 or 3 times before they fit and worked. My most challenging piece yet but I couldnt have done it without help from others on the embellishments. It was Jay Hendricksons first ever gun silver and pearl inlays. He asked Bill Morans advice before he started work on it and Bill said "Dont do it...just send it back". Im glad Jay didnt take his advice
wow...
