Help identify maker of signed W.A.B. iron mounted longrifle

[David]

This rifle has a swamped and forged barrel and the barrel is around 35 caliber and is 45 and 3/4 inches long and the rifle is 63 inches overall. The trigger Guard is iron as well as the buttplate and pipes, but the muzzlecap I believe is cast pewter. I have had the barrel off and there are no other marks underneath the barrel. The only mark is the script initals W.A.B. on the top flat behind the rear sight. Could this have been flintlock at one time or has it probably always been percussion? The lock has visible engravings around it and what looks like a bird on a part of it, but their worn and corroded. The lock might have had a name at one time but nothing is legible now.

If you need more pictures or information just let me know and I'll get them for you.

Any information on who the maker might be and possible age would be very much appreciated.  Thanks

[Daryl]

I would guestimate always a cap lock. The lock plate was never from a flinter, imho.

[David]

Thanks

I didnt think it was converted ,but i wanted to ask about it.
Any idea who the initials of the gunsmith who made it was?

[Levy]

I can't really add anything about the identity of WAB, but I'm sure others will.  I think the cheekpiece style is what's called a Holston River style.  I have a small bore (.27) by J. Young with a cheekpiece like that.  James Levy

[Rajin cajun]

David, nice rifle thanks for sharing ! Love that trigger guard and set of triggers. Those should help put it in an area. Also has a distinctive cheekpiece an forward termination ( squared) of lock molding and counter molding. These should help identify..
Nice, and again thanks for sharing.!
Bob

[Tanselman]

Despite the "fish belly" in lower butt stock, this rifle has a number of Tennessee influences. Also, the middle initial could also be an "N" instead of "A." Could this be a late 1860s rifle by William N Beals of Washington Co., Tennessee?

Shelby Gallien

[David]

That "A" could definitely be a "N" but its hard to say for sure. (Could a script "N" look like that?) Looking at the rifle it looks more like a "A" ,but thats just me. The rifle was purchased on a trip to east tenessee a while back ,but i wasnt sure it came from there. I looked up william beal and saw a rifle with his barrel on it but the initals were stamped not engraved. If he is the maker would he have made the stock with that fish belly and holston style cheek piece?

Thanks for looking everyone.

[Sequatchie Rifle]

I don’t recall seeing a Wm Beals that was “hand” signed and not stamped. I don’t think it’s a Beals gun or by Jacob Young.