Author Topic: Looking to Identify Origins  (Read 3549 times)

LBOYLE

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Looking to Identify Origins
« on: February 28, 2011, 11:15:51 PM »
I'm submitting a couple pictures of a late percussion full stock rifle in hopes of maybe getting some feedback as to where it might have been originally manufactured. It's unmarked and it's obviously seen a great deal of use, cleaning and repair during the course of its existence. So we are not talking gallery-worthy here! But the old girl still processes what I think are very graceful, delicate lines and is a joy to hold despite her flaws.

Total Length: 63"
Barrel Length 46.5"
Weight: 9.5 lbs
Cal. .41
Drop at Heel: 4.1"
Swamped Barrel: Breech: 1" / 12 Inches from muzzle: .8" / Muzzle: .9"
Nose Cap:Poured Pewter
Brass Hardware
No ramrod entry pipe
Lock: Maybe a Golcher but markings now unreadable.
Two screw tang.

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/DSC_0107a.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/DSC_0109.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/DSC_0118.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/DSC_0112.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/DSC_0124.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/DSC_0127.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/DSC_0123.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/DSC_0121a.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/DSC_0120.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/DSC_0119.jpg

Anyway thanks for looking and I would be very interested if anyone out there might have some idea as to where this one might be from and maybe even who might have built it.

Offline mr. no gold

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Re: Looking to Identify Origins
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2011, 03:41:02 AM »
What flaws? You have just brought in a fine southern gun that has it all. Thank you for going to the work of posting it and for all the fine photos. In my opinion, you have a very nice gun here and one that may have been made in a variety of locations that we do not ordinarily see. It isn't a PA gun, nor does it look like Ohio, or many of the other schools we are used to.
It has an incredibly long barrel and great southern architecture; could be An Arkansas, Alabama, Gerogia, Tennesee or a Missouri rifle. I see it as a piece that will draw interest and perhaps some more concrete answers than my knowledge permits. Thank you for gving us a chance to see a good untouched gun.
Regards-Dick

Offline gibster

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Re: Looking to Identify Origins
« Reply #2 on: March 04, 2011, 04:02:34 PM »
I have to agree with Mr. No gold on this one.  The pictures tell the story and the description is clear.  I really don't know where this one was made, but it appears to be in relatively good shape having been used, but not abused.  Believe me, I've seen/owned/wanted some that weren't in the shape that this one is in.  Thanks for sharing.

LBOYLE

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Re: Looking to Identify Origins
« Reply #3 on: March 04, 2011, 04:53:51 PM »
Thanks for the kind replies. Using "Flaws" in the description was a mis-application of the word in this case. Sorry. What I meant to convey was an acknowledgement that many of the screws are obvious, albeit very old incorrect replacements and that the wood, especially around the tang/lock shows its age/use. I do believe that all the hardware as well as the stock is original however.
I think that there may be a tendancy by some of us, who perhaps do not manage to get to as many shows as we'd like, to down-grade perfectly acceptable pieces, forgetting perhaps that the carved 'Golden Age' rifles we may be comparing ours to are not only very rare but have quite often been professionally restored. As in the old Voltaire quote "The Best is the enemy of the Good."

Offline Sequatchie Rifle

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Re: Looking to Identify Origins
« Reply #4 on: March 04, 2011, 06:30:46 PM »
A very interesting rifle.  I especially like the long barrel and nosecap!  Thanks for sharing.  Very nice lines.
"We fight not for glory, nor riches nor honors, but for freedom alone, which no good man gives up except with his life.” Declaration of Arbroath, 1320