Since no one else has asked, I'll ask the easy question... did you check the top flat on each barrel, several inches behind the rear sight, to see if there is any maker's name, initials, or even a trace of a mark? It could be engraved or stamped into the barrel, and could be first initial and last name, or perhaps just two initials. If anything is on either gun, please let us know.
In reviewing your rifles, my thoughts are:
1. half-stocked rifle - I think this rifle is from the Midwest, i.e., Ohio, Indiana, Illinois area, and probably southern parts of those states close to the Ohio River. I would have thrown Kentucky unto the mix, but the gun's short tang "kinda" rules it out. The "different" shaped lock bolt washer like an unside-down umbrella was used by a couple Indiana gunmakers, and perhaps more importantly, the "square shoulder" on the guard where the rear spur runs straight up, rather than curving up, to meet the guard's rear extension, is most often found on guns from near the Ohio River on both north and south sides. So... I'm guessing a Midwest rifle until someone comes up with something better.
2. full-stocked rifle - the gun has a distinctive guard with smaller bow and a longer, extended grip rail behind the bow. The gun also has a very low comb. Those details were used in Bedford County, PA and then moved into the next couple counties west of Bedford. I'd think the box is nice enough that someone will eventually identify it after doing a little research, and it will be from western PA.
Shelby Gallien
