History of Ignition Systems

Ignition of the propellant was a major problem from the introduction of gunpowder in the early fourteenth century until the development of a percussion primer by a Scottish clergyman, the Reverend Alexander John Forsyth, 

The first means of igniting the propellant was by placing a glowing twig or a hot wire into a touch hole at the rear of the barrel where it came into contact with the propellant. This direct method of ignition had many disadvantages the firer needed to be near a fire, ignition was at the mercy of the wind and the rain, and it was difficult to aim properly. 

To overcome the lack of mobility the slow match was developed. The match consisted of a piece of cord which had been soaked in a strong solution of potassium nitrate and then dried. When placed in the touch hole and lit, the match would smolder with a glowing end at the rate of about an inch a minute until it reached and ignited the propellant.12 Speed of ignition and dependence on weather conditions were serious disadvantages. 

A more reliable and important variation of the principle of the wheellock was the flintlock. In the wheellock sparks were produced by a grinding motion whereas in the flintlock system sparks were produced by a striking motion. 

All the means of ignition, from the hotwire to the flintlock, were dependent to a greater or lesser extent on the weather conditions and none offered the reliability of ignition experienced with modern ammunition. However, the flintlock was a very efficient mechanism, and with the introduction of a waterproof flash pan in 1780,15 the flintlock offered the shooter a reasonably reliable means of ignition under most weather conditions. 

---