AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: backsplash75 on October 03, 2025, 09:00:30 PM

Title: thoughts on this rifle? Reading? York?
Post by: backsplash75 on October 03, 2025, 09:00:30 PM

I'd love to hear thoughts/opinions on origin, date of restocking and time period.

Quote

Reading, Pennsylvania flintlock long rifle, approximately .68 caliber, with brass furniture to include an engraved three-piece patchbox and tiger cherry stock with incised and relief carving, 43 1/2" octagonal barrel. Provenance: From the Collection of Jo and Jim Adams, York, Pennsylvania.

Condition
Request Condition Report
Buttplate - 1 3/4" w., butt is 4 3/4" h. Original finish. Reconverted, lock is replaced, restocked possibly by one of the Shrivers of York County.

(https://i.ibb.co/jvd9KxGH/lock.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7JHxcTVb)



(https://i.ibb.co/v6cjbx2G/lock-side-overall.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9kprJ9RL)

(https://i.ibb.co/20hsYJNx/sideplate-side-overall.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nqmn8pC9)

(https://i.ibb.co/B5BN1m7n/tg.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Q3Md5ZqD)



(https://i.ibb.co/nsxgJrSw/cheek.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SXFsCNp6)



(https://i.ibb.co/0p01YxMP/breech.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RGXtQq0L)



(https://i.ibb.co/1JmTsXdL/rear-sight.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bRKXHv2P)

Title: Re: thoughts on this rifle? Reading? York?
Post by: 120RIR on October 03, 2025, 09:35:45 PM

I wonder what about this rifle suggests it was restocked?  I hope some will provide insights.

Title: Re: thoughts on this rifle? Reading? York?
Post by: Shreckmeister on October 04, 2025, 05:50:02 PM

Good question

Title: Re: thoughts on this rifle? Reading? York?
Post by: JTR on October 04, 2025, 06:14:50 PM

For/if a restock, someone went to a lot of work to hide it.
I wonder if the crack in the stock behind the trigger guard is real, or faked?  :o
John

Title: Re: thoughts on this rifle? Reading? York?
Post by: whetrock on October 04, 2025, 06:58:57 PM

Quote from: JTR on Today at 06:14:50 PM

For/if a restock, someone went to a lot of work to hide it.
I wonder if the crack in the stock behind the trigger guard is real, or faked?  :o
John

John, Are you seeing something that suggests a contemporary restock? Maybe I'm missing something?

Title: Re: thoughts on this rifle? Reading? York?
Post by: rich pierce on October 04, 2025, 07:05:32 PM

It's a bit of an odd mix.  To me the furniture says Reading, the architecture as well, but the carving behind the cheekpiece is not screaming Reading specifically.  If a restock it may have been done in the period as suggested.  I see it as a desirable Golden Age rifle.

Title: Re: thoughts on this rifle? Reading? York?
Post by: Buck on October 04, 2025, 07:06:31 PM

My first thought at first glance was Metzger. I can’t remember if he was a Lancaster or Maryland builder or both. The box IMHO isn’t York or Reading - could be a later addition? Interesting piece for sure - I like it.

Buck

Title: Re: thoughts on this rifle? Reading? York?
Post by: rich pierce on October 04, 2025, 07:08:02 PM

Quote from: Buck on Today at 07:06:31 PM

My first thought at first glance was Metzger. I can’t remember if he was a Lancaster or Maryland builder or both. The box IMHO isn’t York or Reading - could be a later addition? Interesting piece for sure - I like it.

Buck

Metzger was both in Lancaster and later, Maryland, I believe.  Good call.

Title: Re: thoughts on this rifle? Reading? York?
Post by: Buck on October 04, 2025, 07:15:03 PM

Rich,

I believe you’re correct, a reversal to the Westward migration. I also agree with the furniture less the box being from Reading - carving could go both ways. I like the rifle, its early - box could fall into the late Metzger Maryland category/ later addition. I believe his Son finished up his career in Maryland.

Buck