J.M. Caswell Percussion bench rifle

[Tradegun]

J.M. Caswell, Lansingburgh, NY Percussion bench rifle 12.4 pounds.

[Shreckmeister]

I like the patriotic theme. Is it unusual to set up a bench rifle with a single trigger?  This one is not what I’m used to seeing with that name on it. Worth reading up on him I think. Where is some good reference on Caswell?

[Seth Isaacson]

Looks like it might have a modified single set trigger?

[Joe Stein]

Looks like it might have a modified single set trigger?

It certainly looks to me like an adjustment screw forward of the trigger, just next to the trigger guard bow.

[Tradegun]

Yes you are right it does have a set trigger!

[Hudnut]

Originally flint?

[JTR]

Originally flint?

Doesn't look like it.

That's a nice rifle, and looks like it would be fun to shoot!

John

[rich pierce]

The lock looks like a waterproof flintlock to me but I don’t see filled holes for frizzen spring mounting. Hard to say if someone had an old flint lock plate never finished then used it to make a percussion lock.

[Bob Roller]

Whatever it Is or WAS I like it and if I ever make another rifle this is the style I like and not hard to copy.A quality lock needs no set trigger and I have wondered about why the old ones are so often seen with set triggers and the ones that have to have the trigger set before the lock can be cocked are bad idea then and now.Thanks for showing this one.
Bob Roller

[Hudnut]

The lock is certainly styled like a flintlock.  Inspection of the inside of the lockplate might reveal plugged holes.  Looks as if the stock is inlet to clear a flint cock.

[Uncle Miltie]

The Caswells  (Eli, John and James) were prolific makers of fine quality rifles in New York state.
Their first shop was in Lansingburgh (possibly 2 shops) and later in Albany.
Looks like your rifle was originally built as a flintlock and converted by someone else to percussion.  The Caswells built high quality rifles with patent or forged breeches instead of drums which were lower quality.
Fine rifle you have there. 
Your rifle was shot from a plank and could be called a plank rifle.

[Daryl]

Here it is, being shot.