History at the Old Stone Fort - Music Box Gun Flints

Regina Music Box

Likely used in a Schoharie County tavern, this box produces sounds using a set of pins placed on a revolving cylinder. The box contains the following songs, Home Sweet Home, The Mocking bird, The Blue Bells of Scotland, Old Folks at Home, Sweet By & By, and Robin Adair. It was produced by Swiss based company Henry Gautschi & Sons, Manufacturers and Importers. Donated by Mrs. Walter MC Gill in memory of Archibald H.S. Smith and Ruth Brand Smith and shared with us by the Old Stone Forts Clay Edmunds.

Gun Flints

Gun flints were a crucial component to the flintlock musket which was first introduced in the 16th century. These small pieces of flint were held in place by a clamp and struck by the gun cock once the trigger was pulled, creating a small explosion inside the barrel which allowed the gun to fire the musket ball.