I think this is a pretty cool looking rifle, and it was made by Henry Wright. He worked in Jamestown, North Carolina, ca 1850/1860.
It’s signed on the barrel H Wright, along with the Roman numeral VII just behind the rear sight. This designation evidently indicates the bore size for the round ball mold that would come with the rifle. Be happy to correct me if that isn’t correct.
When I bought it, it was missing some of the German Silver inlays, and the finish was rough, chipped and powdery. I replaced the missing inlays, and did the engraving in a way that will differentiate the new from the original. I also fortified the finish, leaving the original, but adding to it, to strengthen the powdery-ness and fill in the largest chips.
The first picture shows it full length. It has a nice long barrel for this late date, right at 42 ½ inches long. It’s about .900 at the breech, .865 at the muzzle, and is about .32 cal.
The second picture is a ¾ view of the lock side.
The 3rd pic is the ¾ view of the cheek side. This side especially has some nice inlays on it. Some of the replaced inlays are on the forearm.
The 4th and 5th pics show the lock/trigger guard/ side plate areas.
The 6th is the barrel signature and VII mark.
6a picture is the underside and shows the trigger guard moldings, a nice inlay ahead of the guard, and the rear RR pipe.
The 7th is a shot of the muzzle, which is particularly nicely done.
And the last is the front sight.
So here is a request.
I wish I had a picture of it, as bought, but I don’t.
I bought the gun from Mr. No Gold who posts here. He said he bought it from a member here, but doesn’t remember who. If one of you reading this is the one that sold it to No Gold, would you please PM me, especially if you have a picture of it as it was when you sold it to him.
Please feel free to comment or ask questions, and thank you for looking.
John
