George Washington’s rifle

[Terry Reynolds]

Interested in building the rifle J.P. Beck gave Washington in 1791. Fortunately the rifle is at the Frazier History Museum which is 30 minutes from where I live. Unfortunately I am only able to get pics of the the rifle from the lock side only....the curator wouldn’t let me take it out of the case to get pics of the other side lol.
Is there pics and specs on this rifle available? Can’t find anything about it on the ‘net. These are the pics I took of it today.

Thanks

[Joey R]

Digger, contact ptk1126 here on the forum and ask him about this rifle. I'm sure he can help you out. Good luck.

[Mauser06]

http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=5099.0

[Joey R]

Thanks Mauser,that oughta help Digger.

[Mauser06]

Not a problem!   That's what this place is all about!  Glad to actually be able to be somewhat helpful to someone here for a change!

[Mauser06]

I haven't studied every Beck known....but, I've looked at pics of all I can find. 


I find it interesting that it has a rounded tang and different tang carving than Beck typically used. His tang carving may carried a bit, but it seemed to follow the same kinda design... different from that one.

[jerrywh]

 Ask him if he will let you put a mirror under it and take a photo of it.

[Terry Reynolds]

WOW that was quick.

Maauser06 thanks for the link just what I was looking for. I tried the search feature with no luck, guess I didn't put in the right words. Joey R I will contact ptk1126, didn't know he lived so close.

Always had a deep interest in GW, it wasn't till recently I found out about his hunting rifle. His pistols are always talked about but not much on the rifle, or at least what I've found.

Being a new building, I'm looking at Jim Kieblers colonial rifle as a start but find differences in the butt plate and lock. Appears to be a lot more research ahead but I have a good start with the provided link.

Thanks again

[Mauser06]

http://www.neahkahnieflintlocks.com

Another link you may find helpful.  Eric sells plans for a J. P. Beck. Not that exact rifle...but, I feel they will be helpful to have. I have 3 of Eric's plans including the Beck. Just glancing at the Washington Beck and Eric's plans, I'd bet they come out pretty close. 


Another link,

http://www.stanhollenbaughgunsmith.com

Stan builds Beck locks...designed from an original Beck.  His locks are very high quality and he's always easy to work with.   He also sells a silver heart front sight..not so important for the Washington Beck as it appears to be a dovetailed brass sight..but some Becks had a silver heart front sight. 



Lots of other resources out there as well..there's a couple Becks in this sites library...and various books have pics and details of various Becks. Again, maybe not directly related to the Washington Beck...but, may help you get different views of his carving style etc..


I'm no expert and don't claim to be one...

[dlubbesmeyer]

Man oh man thank you for that photo set! What a rifle

[t.caster]

I flinched when I saw the rounded tang, too. The only Beck I've seen done that way, but he was building for a LONG time, and every one is similar but...different.