Author Topic: Bumford rifle info (Read 10364 times)

davida64 · « **on:** December 20, 2011, 07:05:53 PM »

I have inherited a Bumford rifle. I know a lot about classic cars but nothing about firearms so was looking for a little advice. I am wondering about how to display it/if anything should be done (ie restoring/taking care of wood etc) to the rifle and maybe a little history and year model etc. Can't seem to find anyone in my area that knows much (I'm near Lubbock Tx) much less anything that helps on the internet so any help is appreciated. The rifle was given to me by my mother, she is Scottish and brought the rifle with her when she came to the states in the mid 60's, she got the rifle from her dad (Scotland also) but she knew nothing beyond that. Thank for any help or advice.
Apparently need advice on how to post photos too. Sorry about that

James Rogers · « **Reply #1 on:** December 20, 2011, 10:15:44 PM »

Send the pictures to me one per email to my email address and I will try to post them for you. Include pics of proofs as well. I am assuming you are getting the Bumford name off the lock?

rich pierce · « **Reply #2 on:** December 21, 2011, 12:46:50 AM »

Would love to see a Bumford rifle. Have seen examples of fowling pieces and fusils or muskets by Bumford but not rifles.

James Rogers · « **Reply #3 on:** December 21, 2011, 06:48:45 AM »

debnal · « **Reply #4 on:** December 21, 2011, 09:43:03 PM »

Looks like a fowler. Is the barrel actually rifled?
Al

Fullstock longrifle · « **Reply #5 on:** December 21, 2011, 10:33:21 PM »

Very nice, but it looks like a Fowler to me as well.

FK

rich pierce · « **Reply #6 on:** December 21, 2011, 11:12:49 PM »

Lots of folks use "rifle" to mean gun. Great pictures, wish there were more and some dimensions as well. Barrel length, bore diameter, diameter of the barrel at the breech, length of the lock, better look at the underside of the guard etc

James Rogers · « **Reply #7 on:** December 21, 2011, 11:23:16 PM »

Quote from: rich pierce on December 21, 2011, 11:12:49 PM

Lots of folks use "rifle" to mean gun. Great pictures, wish there were more and some dimensions as well. Barrel length, bore diameter, diameter of the barrel at the breech, length of the lock, better look at the underside of the guard etc

..........top of butt plate, entry pipe, proof/view/maker marks, etc.

JIM FRANCIS · « **Reply #8 on:** December 24, 2011, 07:12:59 PM »

I have an old copy of ENGLISH GUNS AND GUN MAKERS AND IT HAS TWO BUMFORDS LISTED.
W. BUMFORD...LONDON........1730----1777
I. BUMFORD.....LONDON........1695----1740

MY GUESS IT'S THE W. BUMFORD THAT WAS CONVERTED TO PERCUSSION. HOPE THIS HELPS.
JIM FRANCIS

davida64 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2012, 09:09:52 PM »

Sorry guys, I don't know the difference between a rifle/shotgun/musket so may have called it wrong. Here are some more photos and dimensions. The bore (I'm assuming that is the interior dimension of the barrel) is .877", total length from tip to tip is 81 3/4" and barrel length (asn't sure how to measure so went from end of barrel to center of pin) is 64 1/2. Hope this helps and appreciate the education.

woodsrunner · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2012, 04:17:31 AM »

Wood doesn't go all the way to the muzzle.....do I see a bayonet lug under the barrel? Looks like a New England fowler to me, but I'm not well versed in the style

greybeard · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2012, 10:51:40 AM »

I Reeally like the bustock lock area. To me it liiks a wee bit later than the dates given but then I am only guessing!!!
Bob Reader

James Rogers · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2012, 03:22:30 PM »

woodsrunner · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2012, 03:26:41 PM »

If that is a bayonet lug, and it sure looks like it, then that piece saw service as a Militia Arm during the RevWar, right? Most probably?

James Rogers · « **Reply #14 on:** January 17, 2012, 03:30:13 PM »

John Bumford (son of John) of London. (mark is IB under a fleur de lis) Apprenticed to Thomas Hartwell 1735; free of Gunmaker's Co. and proof piece 1742; Elected assistant 1746; Master 1751, 1756; listed as gunmaker at the Sign of the Golden Blunderbuss, Minories, 1754-59, Minories 1759-68, 8 St. George St, Minories, 1769-1774 (possible all were one address of 8 St George St, Minories, london at the sign of hte Golden Blunderbuss), Contractor to Ordnance, 1756-71, East India Co. 1745-73; Hudson's Bay Co. 1757-75 (viewer 17580-56); died and will proven 1775, Half of estate to son John who was a sail maker. His name and mark are also found on a number of small brass cannon, probably cast for him by his friend Jonanthan Buttall. (Gunsmiths of London, Suppl, Blackmore)

James Rogers · « **Reply #15 on:** January 17, 2012, 03:33:19 PM »

Davida64,

If you get a chance to take a couple more pics, a closeup of that lug on the bottom of the barrel near the muzzle, the top of the butt plate along with the tang area behind the barrel breech and the entry thimble would be great.

Dr. Tim-Boone · « **Reply #16 on:** January 17, 2012, 04:58:28 PM »

The lug may just be the barrel lug for attaching the missing portion of stock.... It would be exciting if it turns out to actually be a bayonet lug.

That is a beautiful long lady... too bad from my perspective that somebody converted it o percussion..but at least it looks like an in service honest updating...

James Rogers · « **Reply #17 on:** January 18, 2012, 05:54:28 AM »

Tis a barrel lug. David sent a few more pics that I will try to post in the morning

greybeard · « **Reply #18 on:** January 18, 2012, 08:57:33 AM »

Quote from: James Rogers on January 17, 2012, 03:30:13 PM

John Bumford (son of John) of London. (mark is IB under a fleur de lis) Apprenticed to Thomas Hartwell 1735; free of Gunmaker's Co. and proof piece 1742; Elected assistant 1746; Master 1751, 1756; listed as gunmaker at the Sign of the Golden Blunderbuss, Minories, 1754-59, Minories 1759-68, 8 St. George St, Minories, 1769-1774 (possible all were one address of 8 St George St, Minories, london at the sign of hte Golden Blunderbuss), Contractor to Ordnance, 1756-71, East India Co. 1745-73; Hudson's Bay Co. 1757-75 (viewer 17580-56); died and will proven 1775, Half of estate to son John who was a sail maker. His name and mark are also found on a number of small brass cannon, probably cast for him by his friend Jonanthan Buttall. (Gunsmiths of London, Suppl, Blackmore)

Boy, that shows how much I know.
Bob Reader

James Rogers · « **Reply #19 on:** January 18, 2012, 03:04:55 PM »

James Rogers · « **Reply #20 on:** January 18, 2012, 03:42:29 PM »

Looks like a good example of a utilitarian waterfowling piece by John(2) Bumford of London.
Judging by the hardware, compared with grade of piece and the lock engraving signature, I would guess circa 1765-1775.

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Author Topic: Bumford rifle info (Read 10364 times)

davida64

davida64

greybeard

greybeard