I recently read all of the Patrick O’Brian novels, then started on your “Sharpe” series, and I must say, I have had a great time reading them, and learning so much about the Napoleonic, or “Regency” era of history. I have always been a great student of history, but for some reason that period slipped past me in my studies. Because of the O’Brian novels, I have joined the crew of an actual 137 foot two-masted gaff-rigged schooner, much like the tender of the H.M.S. Surprise, the “Ringle.” The ship I serve on is the tall ship, “Bill of Rights” harbored in Oxnard California. Now, as I said, I am an avid student of history, in particular the American Civil War, and having grown up with the actual Chancellorsville battlefield literally in my back yard (just outside of Fredericksburg, Virginia) (no kidding, we had trenches running all through the woods behind the house where I grew up) I have some acquaintance with the weapons and uniforms of that period. I know about percussion rifles like the ones used in the mid 1800’s, but because of your wonderful stories, I have become highly interested in the Baker flintlock rifle, and possibly interested in acquiring a quality working reproduction. I found one for sale online, and apparently, according to their website, they made the ones used in the Sharpe movies, and according to them, YOU actually have one of their rifles. I was wondering if yours is one that fires, and if it is one that has the rifled barrel. Apparently that costs extra, and how they can call a smooth bore gun a “rifle” in their advertisement is beyond me, but I digress…Anyway, I am curious if you actually can vouch for the quality of the weapon? Of course I have no idea if you are even “into” these weapons, or have any interest in them beyond their historical value, but I’d be interested in hearing any opinions you might have on them, especially if you do actually occasionally take it out to the range and get your face sooty.

If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles and want to go for a sail, let me know, we can always use an extra hand! Eddy Houchins Los Angeles, CA