Hall's Patent Clock Gun: A Shot Every Hour, On The Hour

Published on March 30, 2018
Duration: 7:16

This video from Forgotten Weapons explores the unique Hall's Patent Clock Gun, a 12-gauge pinfire firearm designed to fire a shot every hour. Ian McCollum details its history, purpose (likely bird scaring or time signaling), and intricate mechanism involving a clock, weights, strings, and a razor blade. The device is rare, with examples occasionally appearing at auction, particularly in England.

Quick Summary

The Hall's Patent Clock Gun is a rare 12-gauge pinfire firearm patented by John Hall in 1902. It automatically fires a shot every hour using a clock mechanism with a razor blade to cut strings, releasing weights that strike cartridge pins, likely for bird scaring or time signaling.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Hall's Patent Clock Gun
  2. 00:55History, Patent, and Purpose
  3. 02:10Internal Mechanism and Pinfire Cartridges
  4. 03:54Detailed Firing Sequence Explained
  5. 04:46Clock Interface and String Cutting
  6. 06:02Rarity and Auction Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hall's Patent Clock Gun?

The Hall's Patent Clock Gun is a unique 12-gauge pinfire firearm designed to automatically fire a shot every hour on the hour, likely for scaring birds or as an audible time signal.

How does the Hall's Patent Clock Gun work?

It uses a clock mechanism where the hour hand, equipped with a razor blade, cuts strings. These strings release weights that fall onto the pins of 12-gauge pinfire cartridges, firing them sequentially.

Who patented the Hall's Patent Clock Gun?

The device was patented by John Hall of Wigton, Cumberland, England, in 1902. The specific example discussed is associated with 'J. HALL'S PATENT CLOCK GUN, STATION ROAD WORKS, WIGTON, CUMBERLAND'.

Are Hall's Patent Clock Guns common?

No, these devices are considered rare. Examples occasionally appear at auctions, primarily in England, and are sought after by collectors.

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