This is truly a case of "throwing oneself on the mercy of the court". I must confess that I possess no knowledge of early flintlock weapons beyond the nuggets that I've picked-up in this forum. Envious of the beautiful examples of 18th Century firearms posted on ALR.org, but lacking the finances necessary to invest in such arms, I went shopping for an affordable flintlock rifle to hang over my fireplace. I found what was advertised as a "Philadelphia Flintlock Rifle" selling for $795 on Guns International.com. I spoke to the seller and was told that it had been part of a collection assembled by a father-son duo in the 1950's-1960's.
The weapon arrived today. Here are the general specs: 1) OA Length: 53", 2) Barrel Length: 39", 3) Bore: 0.5125". 4) Top flat of barrel is stamped PHIL (presumably for Philadelphia), 5) there is simple scrollwork inletted into the stock in front of and behind the lockplate.
Although advertised as a rifle, it appears to be a smoothbore, although it is equipped with sights.
Here are my concerns: 1) The lower edge of the buttstock is somewhat curved toward the heel, 2) The brass buttplate is rounded at the top, 3) The brass patchbox is very crudely made, almost like a piece of "folk art" and 4) the inletting for the patchbox shows boring marks and 5) Both lockplate screws appear to be replacements.
I have a 3-day window to evaluate the weapon before I have to return it. Any thoughts that the group might care to offer would be very much appreciated. Is this weapon an 18th Century weapon or a fake? If it's genuine, what exactly do I have?
