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The Langar Odd Balls (RA Winter Lecture)

Royal Armouries
Published on October 17, 2024
Category: General
Duration: 51:57

This lecture delves into the historical mystery of the 'Langer Odd Balls,' uniquely shaped lead projectiles discovered through metal detecting. The investigation, led by the Field Detectives, reveals these are not standard firearms ammunition but specialized projectiles for air rifles, particularly those made by Stahl & Mayer and other high-end gunsmiths of the 18th and 19th centuries. The unique features, such as the cone, studs, and sprue stud, are explained in relation to their function in mechanically fitted rifled barrels.

Tags

Studded Projectile
Air Rifle Ammunition
Mechanically Fitted Shot
Stahl & Mayer Air Gun
Bosler Air Rifle
Muzzle Loaded
Cast Lead Projectile
Rifled Barrel
Airgun Technology
Historical Ammunition

Quick Summary

The 'Langer Odd Balls' are unique lead projectiles designed for 18th and 19th-century air rifles. Characterized by a cone, seven studs, and a sprue stud, they were used in 'mechanically fitted shot' systems where rifling was molded into the projectile. Their 'rub back' marks are primarily from the loading process, not firing, and they were cast with an unusual circumferential seam.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Royal Armouries Winter Lecture Series
  2. 03:21Welcome and Introduction by Mark Bennett
  3. 05:34Introducing the Speakers: Justin Russell & Richard Pinot
  4. 06:01The Mystery of the Langer Lead/Odd Balls
  5. 07:01The Investigation's Origins: Ancient Trackway and Metal Detecting
  6. 08:41Discovery of Unusual Lead Projectiles
  7. 09:17The Fellowship of the Odd Balls
  8. 10:54Exploring Red Herrings: Deer Parks and Assassin's Bullets
  9. 12:20Justin Russell on the Odd Balls' Unique Features
  10. 12:40Anatomy of the Odd Ball: Cone, Studs, and Sprue Stud
  11. 13:24Mechanically Fitted Shot Explained
  12. 14:10Understanding 'Rub Back' Marks
  13. 15:09Unusual Casting Method of the Langer Shot
  14. 16:26Historical Context: Mechanically Fitted Shot in the 1850s
  15. 17:45Early References: Norton's Projectiles and Hans Busk
  16. 19:32Maurice Tarback's Work and the Royal Saxon Arsenal
  17. 20:56The Crucial Link: Air Rifles
  18. 21:11Captain Norton's Experiments with Air Rifles
  19. 22:19The Stahl & Mayer Air Gun System at the Royal Armouries
  20. 23:29Stahl & Mayer Air Rifle Features: Reservoirs, Pump, Barrels
  21. 24:19The Single Shot Muzzle Loaded Seven Groove Rifle Barrel
  22. 25:24The Bullet Mold and Projectile Fit
  23. 25:59Reinterpreting the Odd Ball's Marks: Loading vs. Firing
  24. 27:08The Breach Airgate Mark
  25. 28:01Air Rifle Barrels: Cleanliness and Longevity
  26. 29:01Other Studded Shots and Variations
  27. 30:33Studded Shots in Firearms vs. Air Rifles
  28. 31:06Bosler Air Rifles and Rifled Muskets
  29. 32:35Earliest Image of Studded Shot: James Liny's Cannon Projectile
  30. 33:10Absence of Langer Shot in Modern Publications
  31. 33:38Why Did This Technology Disappear?
  32. 34:43The Brunswick Rifle and the Forgetting of Studded Shot
  33. 35:07Stahl & Mayer Air Rifle Engravings and Imagery
  34. 35:27Effective Range of Air Rifles
  35. 36:33Resolution and Future Research
  36. 37:17Q&A Session Begins
  37. 37:28Why Not an English Civil War Projectile?
  38. 38:05Discussion on Red Herrings and Roads Not Taken
  39. 39:04Cost and Exclusivity of Early Air Rifles
  40. 40:43Metallurgical Analysis of Projectiles
  41. 42:12Would the Bullet Shatter on Impact?
  42. 43:24Speculative Patent: James Liny's One-Pounder Cannon
  43. 44:25Current Projects of The Field Detectives
  44. 45:01Invitation to Join The Fellowship of the Odd Balls
  45. 45:41General Development History of Belted and Studded Shot
  46. 47:02Windage and Air Pressure Effects on Projectile Performance
  47. 47:31Why Pursue This Specific Avenue of Research?
  48. 47:54Clarification on the Offset Breach Airgate Mark
  49. 49:16Concluding Remarks and Thanks
  50. 49:33Where to Find More Information: The Field Detectives Website
  51. 50:29Next Lecture: The Terracotta Army

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 'Langer Odd Balls' unique compared to standard ammunition?

The 'Langer Odd Balls' are distinguished by their unique design: a round ball base, a cone on top, seven studs around the circumference, and a sprue stud remnant from casting. This design is specifically for mechanically fitted shot in air rifle barrels.

What type of firearm were the 'Langer Odd Balls' designed for?

These projectiles were designed for specialized air rifles, particularly those made by high-end gunsmiths like Stahl & Mayer, Bosler, Wullow, and Müller in the 18th and 19th centuries. They are not intended for conventional firearms.

What is 'mechanically fitted shot' and how does it relate to the Langer Odd Balls?

Mechanically fitted shot refers to projectiles where the rifling is formed in the mold, ensuring a precise fit within the barrel. The Langer Odd Balls were designed for such systems, where the studs engage with the barrel's rifling for accuracy.

What is the significance of the 'rub back' marks on the Langer Odd Balls?

The 'rub back' marks on these projectiles are unusual because they appear in the 'wrong' direction for typical firearm use. Research suggests these marks are primarily from the loading process, where the projectile is forced into the barrel, rather than from firing.

How were the Langer Odd Balls cast, and why is this method unusual?

The Langer Odd Balls were cast with a seam running around the circumference, not connected to the sprue. This differs from standard longitudinal casting methods used for most bullets, making their manufacturing process unique.

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