AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: Molly on January 26, 2019, 04:01:25 AM

Title: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Molly on January 26, 2019, 04:01:25 AM
So I'm out walking around the back shed of an antique shop and I see a familiar sight sticking up out of a plastic 55 gal drum.  Here 'tis!  It's on the wall of honor now, sorry about that "other rifle" above "THE" rifle.  Signed Ambrose LAwing.  Good signature but does not photograph well.  Sorry for the bummy pics.
The shop owner wanted $200 for it but my hubby can be very persuasive and talked him down to $150.  We figured at that price we could afford to take a shot.

(http://i67.tinypic.com/16jj3vo.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/selheb.jpg)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/23uskro.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/2llms0y.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/2r7sg8j.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/ri4s60.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/2j0l0nd.jpg)

(http://i66.tinypic.com/20sc8ls.jpg)


PS:  That story about finding is was just for fun.  Purchased it from a shooting club member and very good friend "Don".  Many of you know Don but I like to keep stuff semi confidential.  We paid a fair price and are happy as if we had good sense! ;D
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Shreckmeister on January 26, 2019, 04:05:38 AM
Very nice!
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Cades Cove Fiddler on January 26, 2019, 04:57:40 AM
 ;D ;D ;D...every gun needs a story,....!!!... thanx for the pix,... She is a beauty,... if ever she wants to leave home,.... well,.... you know,... !!!!! .... regards, Cades Cove Fiddler....
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: trailerpark on January 26, 2019, 05:45:37 AM
You was killing me with that story!   :D
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Molly on January 26, 2019, 06:18:15 AM
I could have even done better but I might have gotten so into it that the truth was lost.

Interesting thing about Lawing and his "signature" LAwing.  Why the cap "A" in the last name.  We thought about that one for about 5 seconds and then the answer seemed to come to us.  He had the letter "A" in caps for "Ambrose".  So why go to the trouble to make a small "a" for Lawing?  Just use the cap "A".  Any other thoughts?

Also have David Byrd's book with Lawing on the cover.  How neat is it to have a rifle AND a photo of the maker?  I guess it's more common in TN than in VA rifles.

Whatever....it speaks to me and we really appreciate being it's temporary caretaker.
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Curt J on January 26, 2019, 07:27:07 AM
Beautiful rifle!  One of those that you look at and think, "If only it could talk".
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Chris_B on January 26, 2019, 10:41:21 AM
Thanks for the beautiful (!) pics
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Nordnecker on January 26, 2019, 03:21:12 PM
NICE.....
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: oldtravler61 on January 26, 2019, 05:44:19 PM
  Well done Molly. Nice story as well....!  Oldtravler
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Mike Brooks on January 26, 2019, 06:40:36 PM
I have a set of Ambrose Lawing hand forged mounts by the late Myron Carlson I need to get knocked together into a rifle. This one would be a great one to use as an example, it's very attractive. Congratulations on your purchase.
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Dave Patterson on January 26, 2019, 07:49:06 PM
Miz Molly, I gotta tell ya:  you do spin a good yarn!  I got high-centered on your first post and pictures:  showed The Bride, and her first response was, "Shut that thing down:  WE'RE GOING ANTIQUING THIS WEEKEND!". 

Congratulations on a wonderful new addition to your family... and thanks for 'fessing-up, and making us all feel a little... mmm... calmer.  ;)
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: hanshi on January 26, 2019, 11:01:00 PM
That is a very "cool" rifle.
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: WKevinD on January 27, 2019, 04:47:40 AM
Nice rifle.

I so wanted that story to be true.

Kevin
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: jdm on January 28, 2019, 03:12:26 AM
Nice find by a top maker. That's a fine looking rifle any of us would like to have hanging on our wall!
Do you have a picture of the toe plate?
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Molly on January 28, 2019, 04:21:54 AM
Yes.  About 3.5 inches long.  Thin, looks mostly like it is just on top of the wood of the toe and it has what I'll call a rivet through the end which secures it to the tip of the butt plate.


(http://i64.tinypic.com/8x8lj6.jpg)
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: HIB on February 04, 2019, 08:40:12 AM
Nice catch Molly-You sure earned your stripes with that story ! ! Congrats young lady.   HIB
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Dan Fruth on February 04, 2019, 06:13:15 PM
Great story and great rifle!   We have fantasy rifles, why not fantasy purchase stories!!
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Daryl on February 14, 2019, 03:39:52 AM
Molly- that's quite a bend you have in the upper rifle's barrel. It was shooting a mite high, was it?
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2llms0y.jpg)
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Molly on February 14, 2019, 04:51:39 AM
Looks like it but that barrel is prefectly flat and straight. What you see in an illusion due to the horizonal lines of the wood and the chinking which are not "level" or straight. 
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: alacran on February 14, 2019, 03:53:20 PM
That rifle has very nice wood. Its condition suggests to me that it has always been a cherished possession.  Congratulations.
If you could be so kind to give some specs on the barrel. it would be much appreciated.
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: Molly on February 14, 2019, 07:20:51 PM
The barrel is 42.5 long.  I'll call it a 30 cal, definately less that 32.  I also think the barrel is straight measuring 13/16th at the breach and muzzle.  It may be very slightly less in the center but I'll still say it's straight.  Flats are 5/8th's.  Perfect small game rifle for Eastern TN.

Yes a well cared for rifle!
Title: Re: TN Style newly acquired
Post by: alacran on February 15, 2019, 04:38:20 PM
Thank you Molly. The information helps me put it all in perspective.