AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: elementaltoad on September 22, 2023, 12:16:01 AM
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I recently aquired my first longrifle and would like to get an idea of its origin and authenticity before I attempt any repairs or preservation. Any help would be appreciated, I can get better pictures of certain features or measurements if needed.
I'm unable to find any letters, words, or signatures on it so far but it appears to be a percussion rifle with a smooth bore, possibly around .50 cal., the barrel staples have broken and will need to be replaced or repaired. The lock has a lot of wear and scoring on the wood, it certainly appears well used. The patchbox is opened by pressing the bottom plate on the stock which appear to be a "hidden" button.
(https://i.ibb.co/GpXgxtS/20230917-020705-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DWN3V82)
(https://i.ibb.co/44j5fYf/20230917-020711-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TPHFTbT)
(https://i.ibb.co/L5myxy8/20230917-020721-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jRmYyYT)
(https://i.ibb.co/SXB4Rsg/20230917-020732-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bgXMzWV)
(https://i.ibb.co/Pxjb0jW/20230917-231432-4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dBM3xMp)
(https://i.ibb.co/yfj38mp/20230917-020745-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Vj4Kv0x)
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Welcome to ALR, I hope you enjoy your stay.
I do not have a guess who might have built this rifle but just wanted to tell you to NOT do any restoration or cleaning until you know more about the gun. Un-professional restoration can quickly turn a $5K gun into a $750 parts gun. Cleaning other than just removing grime etc while using something like Renaissance Wax can also greatly de-value a rifle.
Maybe someone here will be able to pinpoint a general area where this rifle may have originated.
Dennis
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Unique final, kind reminds me of Nicholas Hawk's finials.
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Yes, sort of a Nicolas Hawk look alike, but not a N. Hawk rifle.
There were several that made guns in the style of Hawk, a guy named Roth for one.
Have you looked for a name, or initials on the barrel, between the breech and the rear sight area?
John
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That lock caught my eye and I remembering making a series of these styles with the squared tail plate for a gun maker but can't remember the name.Is that a single set trigger or a single trigger?
Bob Roller
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I don’t see a lot of restoration for that gun. I think the button for the patch box is in the toe plate.
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Let me start with I am relatively new to this. As a couple people said this resembles a Nicholas Hawk or at least the patch box finial. More pictures would help. A close up of the nose cap and forestock shape. The top of the comb including the butt plate extension. The brass along the bottom of the forestock I believe was used in the Lehigh region and not always to cover up where the ramrod drilling went off course. I am interested to hear from the other people on this site that know way more than I do about this stuff. Thanks for sharing this 🙂