Author Topic: Another Conestoga Rifle (?)  (Read 3616 times)

LBOYLE

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Another Conestoga Rifle (?)
« on: May 09, 2011, 06:42:47 PM »
I am submitting some pictures of a rifle that I have in my collection that I believe is a product of H.E. Leman's Conestoga Rifle Works. But as I'm not completely sure I thought maybe some of the wise and the good who participate here might be willing to give me their opinions about her. As can be seen this is a maple full stock, 57 inches total length with an uncut 41 inch, .36 cal. barrel and a 14 inch trigger pull. The unmarked (unfortunately) octagon barrel measures 1 inch across and has 3/8 inch flats. The seven groove rifling is deeply cut and the bore is still excellent as are the mechanics. She weighs slightly less than 11 lbs. The "Conestoga Rifle Works" stampings on the lock plate are the only marks I can find on the gun.

It has some features that that would seem to point to Leman as the actual maker (i.e. the square bolster lug, the shape of the wood around the lock plate/wrist and the somewhat beefy overall construction.) But since Leman supplied practically everybody with parts back then I know this might possibly be the work of some other gun maker. Did Leman ever decorate his rifles with silver inlays in a manner like those found on this one? Did he ever utilize an oval cheek piece like that found here or use this style of patchbox? Could this be a custom order of some sort?

Anyway, thanks for looking and as always I would surely appreciate any and all comments.

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/Conestoga_Rifle/CR_001.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/Conestoga_Rifle/CR_002.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/Conestoga_Rifle/CR_003.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/Conestoga_Rifle/CR_004.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/Conestoga_Rifle/CR_005.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/Conestoga_Rifle/CR_005a.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/Conestoga_Rifle/CR_006.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/Conestoga_Rifle/CR_006a.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/Conestoga_Rifle/CR_006b.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/Conestoga_Rifle/CR_007.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/Conestoga_Rifle/CR_008.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/Conestoga_Rifle/CR_009.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/LBOYLE/Conestoga_Rifle/CR_010.jpg


Offline nord

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Re: Another Conestoga Rifle (?)
« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2011, 03:12:46 PM »
Ahh... I see you made the trip from Antiqueguns. Those here will offer their comments and knowledge.

My impression is that you have the real deal. A very late period gun and quite possibly "upgraded" after the gun was out-shopped. I say this because I suspect that some of the inlays aren't original to the piece, though Leman would build semi-custom pieces.

In any case a nice in-period example of a long rifle.
In Memory of Lt. Catherine Hauptman Miller 6/1/21 - 10/1/00 & Capt. Raymond A. Miller 12/26/13 - 5/15/03...  They served proudly.