Possible Leman

[44-henry]

Trying to find out some information on the following rifle I picked up in Lancaster, PA awhile back. Basic info is it is a 53 caliber smoothbore, about 1" across the flats and barrel is about 31" long. Stock looks like plain maple that has some residual faux striping in places. Overall it seems to have been well built, pleasing architecture and good inletting. Cheekpiece is interesting in that it is extremely shallow, almost an afterthought. I am guessing it has been bored to smooth at some point in its working life. No markings that I can find.

Originally I was thinking it was a Leman, but I am not sure. Any ideas from anyone?

[Taylorz1]

Im no expert but based on the hardware, architecture around the locknpanel and wrist and the shape of the butt and treatment of the forend and sights I dont think leman made that rifle. There were quite a few makers that artificially striped stocks and made rifles that looked similar. All the best

Zack

[mr. no gold]

Leman or not, it is still a nice little rifle. Good honest use, but still not abused. It certainly looks like it is a Leman product more that any other possible maker. Have you laid it side by side with a signed Leman rifle? That might settle the matter. Thank you for posting it here.
Dick

[Taylorz1]

I agree- very nice rifle. Solid unmessed with and honest. I would be surprised if the lock wasnt made by leman but I wouldnt clean any of that good hard earned crud off to find out.

[Tanselman]

While it resembles a Leman rifle, I do not think it is a Leman. The stock architecture is rather generic which was typical for a ca. 1840s Lancaster rifle, including Leman's work, but a couple details are not correct for a Leman rifle. First, the comb is simply too low for a Leman [yes, there is probably an exception out there], and I have never seen the neat little butt plate return detail on a Leman rifle. I'd think it's an 1840s Lancaster rifle, but not by Leman. Unfortunately, the barrel being shortened about 7" probably removed any trace of the maker's name. Shelby Gallien

[cshirsch]

Not a Leman.

[44-henry]

Thanks for the replies. I had my doubts about it being a Leman, though I suspect the lock may be. Interesting gun nonetheless.

[buck conner]

The architecture is rather generic which was typical for a ca. 1840s Lancaster rifles.