An Inquiry Concerning an Early Shenandoah Valley Rifle

[bluenoser]

The following relates to source material for my current build.  Please let me know if posting the inquiry in this forum is not acceptable.

I am trying to find clear pictures and additional information on the rifle in photo 7 on page 74/11 of Wallace Gusler's presentation entitled "Early Rifles of the Shenandoah Valley" that appeared in the American Society of Arms Collectors Bulletin No. 74 (spring 1996).  The rifle in photo 8 is RCA 125 in RCA II, but I have, as yet, not been able to find additional information on the rifle in photo 7.  Any and all assistance will be greatly appreciated.

[Eric Kettenburg]

Photo 7 is the cherry stocked parts gun that is also in RCA II, I forget the number off the top of my head but it's in there (like the spaghetti sauce).

That's a rifle that could have been quite literally made anywhere.  Great early-ish piece.

[bluenoser]

Thanks Eric,
I think I remember seeing the one you are referring to.  In fact, I think I pencilled in a note regarding the cherry stock, but thought the PB lid was a little different.  That would NOT be the first time I was wrong.  I will take another look.

[bluenoser]

Yep, that's the one - No. 109 on pgs. 470-474.  Love the architecture!  I had focused my search on chapter 14 - Rifles of the Southern Colonies, and overlooked it.  Foolish Boy!
Thanks so much for directing me to it.

[Eric Kettenburg]

I'll have to go back and look at Wallace's photos again.  ***Asterisk - not making a definitive statement*** but keep in mind that it's possible the gun may have had various box lids on it over the years.  There are many, many pieces "out there" that will blatantly illustrate that guns photographed in the 50s, 60s or 70s might now look different here in 2021.

I'm not indicating automatically nefarious intent!  I don't know much at all about the ownership chain of this specific rifle so take my commentary with a grain of salt.  Many pieces were restored years ago with what might be considered inaccurate restoration, so it's only natural that a more current owner of a gun already-restored might choose to clean up or otherwise improve previous restoration.

I've always found this rifle quite interesting an in fact I know I used it in one of my articles to illustrate what I (personally) feel is representative of one of the Wartime 'arsenal' made rifles.  Haste and arming the companies was of utmost importance, and this particular piece clearly made use of a variety of pre-existing and pre-stocked components, reworked into a new rifle.  It does have a sturdy, martial appearance. 

[bluenoser]

The box lid does not appear to have changed since W.G's presentation - must have been my aging memory.  In fact, I cannot see any changes.  This rifle embodies many of the characteristics I intend to incorporate into my build and  I have already blown up the pics and done the necessary scaling, etc.  As I had hoped, the wrist is slightly wider than it is high.  I am anxious to sketch the butt profile into my plan.

I would very much like to read the article you referenced.

[Eric Kettenburg]

I went and found his presentation and I can see why one might initially think the box is different; in the small black/white photos, the light is reflecting in such a way as to make it appear like a fluted box.  Regardless, I still wouldn't pay any attention really to the box if it had actually been changed, as many antiques have lost their wood boxes over the years.  Not all of course, but many.  Probably one of the many reasons a permanently-attached hinged lid was developed.

[Mike Brooks]

I'll have to go back and look at Wallace's photos again.  ***Asterisk - not making a definitive statement*** but keep in mind that it's possible the gun may have had various box lids on it over the years.  There are many, many pieces "out there" that will blatantly illustrate that guns photographed in the 50s, 60s or 70s might now look different here in 2021.

I'm not indicating automatically nefarious intent!  I don't know much at all about the ownership chain of this specific rifle so take my commentary with a grain of salt.  Many pieces were restored years ago with what might be considered inaccurate restoration, so it's only natural that a more current owner of a gun already-restored might choose to clean up or otherwise improve previous restoration.

Now I'm offended. I think I'll go have a pout and quit coming here. 

[Eric Kettenburg]

Heck I never know what to say or not say anymore.  I've moved on to just assuming that I offend everyone. 

[Mike Brooks]

Heck I never know what to say or not say anymore.  I've moved on to just assuming that I offend everyone. 

You can't be telling people things they don't want to hear.