THE EVOLUTION OF GUN MAKING: Machine Made Weapons, 1700-1820

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Examines the transition from traditional hand-craft methods to the beginnings of standardised mechanized manufacture using as examples the French Model 1777 and the Russian Model 1808 infantry muskets. A variety of technologies are examined, explained, compared, and contrasted in extensive detail. Contains 236 mono illustrations.

The French Model 1777 musket contained many novel features which became blueprints for the arms of numerous countries and was copied in its entirety by Russia. These are the only period firearms whose manufacture is covered in contemporary accounts. The French 1777 musket was largely produced by hand-crafted methods, whereas in Russia we see the beginnings of extensive mechanization in the early 19th century.

An important aspect which appears is interchangeability - the ability to exchange identical parts of identical mechanism without special adjustment. This vital factor at the foundation of modern manufacturing first appears in early 18th century France, was pursued again in 1777, and later picked up in Russia.