Jamestown Muzzleloader Information Wanted

[Mtn Appraiser]

I have a Jamestown rifle that I acquired back in the early 1990's. Following is what I know about the rifle. Would appreciate any additional info on the rifle. Also see pics. Thanks.

JAMESTOWN MUZZLELOADER RIFLE
-1850 TO 1870 ERA
- BUILT IN JAMESTOWN, NC
- BUILDER UNKNOWN (NO MARKINGS)
-SPECS AND FEATURES
  LENGTH- 54.5”
  WEIGHT- APPROX 8#
  CALIBER- 38 CAL
  BARREL LENGTH- 39.25”
  STOCK- HALF STOCK DESIGN-POSSIBLY CHERRY OR MAPLE
  LOCK- BUILDER UNKNOWN BUT HAS AN ENGRAVED DESIGN ON THE       
  RIGHT SIDE BEHIND THE HAMMER
  DOUBLE SET TRIGGERS
  DOUBLE DOVETAILED FRONT SIGHT MADE WITH BRASS W/GERMAN SILVER BLADE
  (COMMON IN 70% OF JAMESTOWN RIFLES)
  GERMAN SILVER INLAYS
  DOUBLE SCREWED TANG

- NOTES (see pictures)
  FILLED CRACK ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FOREARM
  REAR FIXED SIGHT HAD BEEN MOVED
  OTHER THAN THE CRACK IN THE FOREARM THE RIFLE IS FUNCTIONAL (LOCK AND     
  TRIGGERS OPERABLE AND SMOOTH) AND IN GOOD CONDITION

[mbriggs]

Thank you for posting photos of your Jamestown rifle.  I have owned over 300 of them since 1980 and published several books and articles on the men that made them.
I have kept the 35 rarest and best examples in my collection.

I would date your rifle 1870 - 1890.  The simple side plate tells me it was probably made by Solomon H. Ward. He worked from 1870 to 1903 and owned the last Jamestown gun shop.

The stock on your rifle is maple.  It would have been finished with two coats of what they called Aquafortis, today will call it nitric acid. The inlays on your rifle all look to be original.

The rifle may have been signed by the maker at one time, but it looks like the barrel has been shortened once or twice which probably removed the name.  This is why the rear site has been moved forward.

The Jamestown School was by far the largest of the nine schools in North Carolina.  My book provides the known history of the 85 gunsmiths who worked in this school throughout the 19th Century.   

Please let me know if you would like to order a book on this school.  I currently have signed rifles by Solomon Ward and Henry Wright for sale that you can add to your collection.

Michael Briggs
mbriggs@callcoverage.com
send me an email and I will provide my phone number.
   

[Mtn Appraiser]

Thank you for all the info you have provided. What would have typically been the original length of the barrel? It isn't for sale but when I die my wife will sell the rifle (and all my other possessions that are meaningless to her LOL). Have any idea approximately what the value of the rifle is currently worth?

BTW I would love to have one of your books but am 71,retired and having major chronic health problems. I am on a fixed income and recently had a major setback in my retirement income (had approximately $130,000- $150,000 worth of ginseng stolen). Not complaining, just stating the facts. I have been tremendously and undeservedly blessed so can't complain. Just explaining why I can't afford to buy your book right now. Hopefully, things will get better. In the meantime I appreciate your time and expertise.

[mbriggs]

Send me an email to the address listed above I and will provide you a retail value.

Michael