Just Bought a PA Style Original ML rifle: How to Figure out What I Have

[TNVolunteerEngineer]

I know I'll have to post photos for any accurate feedback.   This is a late percussion gun in about 36 caliber.  The stock is maple or possibly cherry, as it has a red tint. It is long and  lean with a full stock which is a bit unusual. This rifle has a couple of disgusting plastic wood fillers where wood was missing. That will have to go.   Are there specialists who can replace those with wood?   The rifle appears shootable except for probably what is a broken mainspring.  Again, who can fix that for me?     I bought it just because it was neat.  It has spent many years on a wall until the owner needed money. Any general suggestions as to where to start will be very helpful.  I'll try to post photos in a day or so. (I changed the subject to indicate a PA rifle because you guys have convinced me that's where the gun originated)

Allan

[msmith]

Look on the barrel flat, between the breech & rear sight. There may be a signature there.Could just be a couple letters and may be hard to see. Of course pictures are a must.

[TNVolunteerEngineer]

No markings that I can see.

Here is a full-length photo, plus a link to a photobucket album.



http://s396.photobucket.com/albums/pp48/Vol423/Perc%20ML/

[Buck]

Nice rifle, honest and clean.
Buck

[smokinbuck]

Allan,
With no markings on the barrel and a warranted lock, how are you determining that this is an Ohio rifle. Looking at the architecture, semi roman nose butt, as well as the inlays and eschutceons it looks more late Pennsylvania to me. The lock "may" be a replacement. Is there some provenance with the rifle from whoever had it? Please don't take my comments wrong, it is a nice rifle but I question what you may have been told.
Mark

[TNVolunteerEngineer]

I bought it from a man in Tennessee who thought his ancestors brought it from Ohio.  He is pretty old, so he may have forgotten. It may be a PA rifle.  I wondered if the lock may have been a replacement for an earlier flintlock.  I like the silver inlays and the eagle engraving on the cheekpiece is nice.

[smokinbuck]

Vol423,
As we "mature" we all seem to remember things a little differently than they may have been at another time. If I stop on the staircase, I sometimes forget if I was going up or down! I really think you do have a Penn rifle. As to previously being a flint, I don't know, it could have been. The reason I said "may be a replacement" is the fit in the mortice and the shape of the plate against the mortice. Nice rifle all the same. Have someone look at it before you do much, if any, restoration. The damage and condition is honest and sometimes things are better left alone. If you decide to do some restoration, there are a number of well qualified folks around, including some on this site.
Mark

[billd]

Is that a engraved inlay in the cheek piece or a coin?

Bill

[TNVolunteerEngineer]

Bill,

I believe you're right. That is a coin!  You have a good eye!

If one of you folks would undertake a repair of the lock and replace the plastic wood, please send me a PM.  

The only fellow I know about who might restore it is a man who builds period reproductions in PA.  He lives near York, PA in the town of Hellam.  His business is Cabin Creek Muzzleloading and his name is Brad Emig.  

Allan

[greybeard]

Nice rifle gun for sure. Just curious . None if the inlays on the forestock are drilled for pins.
Is the barrel attached with "Blind Hooks" 
Cheers   Bob