Here is an example of the earlier acorn finial that was largely superseded by the pineapple style in the following 10-20 years. This is from a gun made circa 1780 listed on Joe Salter's website.

It's fascinating to contemplate that this seemingly simple change in style was the result of a massive shift in global dynamics and extensive exploration that was rapidly taking place during the late 18th century.





“I left long before daylight, alone but not lonely.”~Gordon Macquarrie