Half-cocked: an archaeological perspective of frontier-era flintlock firearms in rural west central Illinois

The article describes the history of the flintlock firearms, a common and essential implement of the pioneers and frontiersmen of west central Illinois. Based on available archaeological findings, a detailed description of the components and the ammunitions, known as round lead balls, used for the flintlock is also presented. Firearm design, such as the percussion locks replacing the flintlocks, is said to have evolved during U.S. President Abraham Lincoln's time.