Author Topic: J Long Percussion Rifle (Read 6389 times)

logcabingirl · « **on:** February 01, 2011, 11:25:20 PM »

Hurricane ( of Virginia) · « **Reply #1 on:** February 02, 2011, 02:23:09 AM »

There were many "J. Long" gunsmiths. This is not the work of Joseph Long of Beaver Creek, PA.

nord · « **Reply #2 on:** February 02, 2011, 03:37:02 AM »

A very late gun suggesting Ohio influence. Not the "Joe Long" we associate with fine upper Susquehanna rifles.

Shreckmeister · « **Reply #3 on:** February 02, 2011, 04:29:06 AM »

I would suggest you create a login ID and password for James Julia Auctions
online and view their master catalog under a search for "Kentucky Rifle"
This will give you a hundred examples of these rifles and you will then have
a good idea of the ballpark you should be in.

Spotz · « **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2011, 04:57:00 AM »

Not to pick on you too much, Hurricane, but the Joseph Long to which you are referring is Joseph Long of Beaver Springs, Snyder County, Pennsylvania. They often say Beavertown for Long, but he was outside of town in the Beaver Springs area in the late 1860's atlas. This rifle is likely Ohio, but could be from one of that Joe Long's sons, sich as Jesse. The patchbox finial looks more Ohio to me, however.

Don Getz · « **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2011, 04:24:15 PM »

Definately not "the" Joe Long from Beaver Springs, Pa. (my hometown). I think Joe had a son that moved out into the
Pittsburgh area, this could be one of his. If it is, he didn't watch his old man work enough........Don

Tanselman · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2011, 07:36:38 PM »

The butt architecture with soft comb, patchbox style, and trigger with long, sweeping guard rail suggest western PA to me, and the lock plate seems to support that area. Shelby Gallien

logcabingirl · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2011, 08:58:50 PM »

Thank you all for your comments and expertise. I assume "the" J. LONG was an expert gunsmith, and so this rifle does not have his quality work, and attention to detail. Nevertheless, it is intriguing to me that if not Joe..then who? Probably will go unanswered through the ages, which is a shame. I also assume that the gentleman who made this was probably a novice..just getting started...and that is a pleasant thought in and of itself.

nord · « **Reply #8 on:** February 02, 2011, 10:39:18 PM »

Maybe not a novice. More possibly a product of changing times.

We recently discovered that the Sam Morrison of Upper Susquehanna renown and thought to have been (at a slightly later date) the same Sam making Illinois Morrisons was not one in the same after all. Rather they were father and son.

As to this rifle I can't say much, other than father / son is I suppose possible. Whether western PA or Ohio is of little consequence. As Shelby pointed out very correctly it might well be a PA gun. You'll notice that I said the gun had Ohio-like features or something along that line. It does. Far western Pa and eastern Ohio is more of a regional thing we clump together when we see these features.

logcabingirl · « **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2011, 11:33:48 PM »

Thanks Nord. What features are you speaking of?

nord · « **Reply #10 on:** February 03, 2011, 12:24:16 AM »

To somewhat provide you an answer...

Back action lock is usually a late feature. The patchbox is likely an off the shelf item as is the trigger guard and perhaps the trigger group. Combined with the general architecture... The halfstock, cap, and the ramrod rail, I see a gun made by a competent maker but by no means a master.

This rifle recalls certain details of classic rifles, but it can't match them. It was made in an era where the old skills were rapidly fading. Best evidence points to manufacture as early as just prior to the Civil War to maybe a bit after. Style and hardware speak of an area somewhere on the western border of PA westward into Ohio.

Should the rifle have been made westward of Rochester, NY along the southern shores of Lake Ontario and Erie we might expect what we refer to as a perch belly. Sort of a sway-back stock reward of the lock. This isn't evident on your gun. Thus a loose reference to points well south.

Please don't misunderstand and think your rifle is undesirable. While not a classic work of art you have a fine rifle. Perhaps not as valuable as the classics, but a nice rifle all the same.

logcabingirl · « **Reply #11 on:** February 03, 2011, 02:03:37 AM »

Thank you for your kindness to respond. My short time with ALR has proven to be a good decision. Your obvious knowledge is most appreciated. And I am glad to know that this rifle is still a decent firearm.

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Author Topic: J Long Percussion Rifle (Read 6389 times)

logcabingirl

J Long Percussion Rifle

Hurricane ( of Virginia)

Re: J Long Percussion Rifle

nord

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Shreckmeister

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Spotz

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Don Getz

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Tanselman

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logcabingirl

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nord

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logcabingirl

Re: J Long Percussion Rifle

nord

Re: J Long Percussion Rifle

logcabingirl

Re: J Long Percussion Rifle