Original PA LongRifle History?

[tippit]

When I was 17 years old (1963), I dated a young lady who's father was a big collector of old black powder guns.  One Xmas I asked him is I could buy one of his guns to give to my Dad.  At seventeen I didn't have much money and because I was dating his daughter, he basically gave me an old Pennsylvania LongRifle  that was in pretty bad shape.  Anyway my Dad loved it...great Xmas!  There is a name on the lock...Percy Parker but that was probably a conversion from flintlock.  Any ideas as to history?

[Avlrc]

The name on the lock is the lock maker. Look on the top/flat of barrel between rear sight & breech, that is where the maker may have signed his mark. Sometimes it is worn and hard to see. Maybe that patchbox is something someone on here has seen.

[tippit]

I don't see any other marks on barrel...maybe just a one time rifle builder?

[Avlrc]

No , it could have wore off , or maybe he just never put his name on it.  He built more than one rifle. I would bet you a beer or bourbon on that.  There may be as many unsigned rifles as signed.  I have taken  pictures of the  signature area & magnified them & sometimes seen pieces of a signature that I could not see with the naked eye. Thanks for sharing this with us. Someone on here will have some insight on your rifle, it may take a few days.

[smart dog]

Hi,
I cannot tell you much but that rifle was almost certainly never a flintlock.

dave

[Seth Isaacson]

It definitely wasn't a flintlock given the back action percussion lock. From what I can see its a Henry Parker lock. IIRC he was a lock maker until around 1860.

[n stephenson]

At some point someone has patched in some wood in front of and under the drum area . I also agree , never flintlock. Cool Rifle!! Thanks for posting. Nate

[jdm]

Welcome to the forum.
I'm with the others , never a flint. I'm guessing a 1860's period gun.  The box does resemble a Tryon & Co. box that they were using and selling at the time.  Thanks for posting.   Jim

[tippit]

The stock has been repaired in numerous places.  Plus the tang is broken and wood missing.  The name on the lock is Henry Parker.  It appears like the rifle has seen a lot of action.  Barrel is forty inches long and swamped at the end.  Entire rifle is fifty four inches long.  I'm a newbie to black powder shooting so bare with me...bladesmith/blacksmith by passion.

[tippit]

Thanks for all the info...you've all been very helpful and kind.  Like I mentioned I'm more bladesmith/blacksmith and longbow hunter...but excited to get into a new passion.  Couple of my knives as an introduction...Jeff




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