Mysterious and Interesting

[Majorjoel]

One of my favorite things to do is to search the www for Kentucky rifles. Occasionally I will come upon one that shows more out of the ordinary details never encountered before and by makers unknown to me. I have included a link to the current Morphy auction longrifle by J. Thomas. What I find most interesting is the use of mother of pearl for inlays and the engraving of sailing ships on the PB lid. The unusual sideplate is another feature never encountered. Does anyone have any information about this maker or other work done by him? I hope my focus on this auction doesn't mess up any potential bidder's desire of finding a "sleeper". It is my only intention to drum up discussion here in antique gun collecting of something many may find interesting as I do.   http://morphyauctions.auctionflex.com/showlot.ap?co=31120&weid=26600&weiid=9690090&lso=lotnumasc&pagenum=6&action=NextLotInAuction&lang=En

[Buck]

Joel,
There are several listed in Sellers that could be a possible match.
#1.) Thomas, J. Washington County, Virginia.  Fullstock Percussion, KRA 1976
#2.) Thomas, J & Son Centre Ohio, 1849-1854. Fullstock Percussion .
#3.)Thomas J.M. Eldertown Pennsylvania, 1882d-1885d.
 Number 3 could be your man. Its an attractive rifle.
Buck

[Shreckmeister]

Of the 3 locations of those makers, my guess would be the Virginian.  I have property near Elderton
PA (not Eldertown) where Thomas worked and I've seen his rifles.  I can rule him out.  It doesn't appear
Ohio to me.  Actually it looks really Huntington to me, so I wonder if he migrated there and the flower
finial says Virginia roots.  Now the experts can shoot this down, just my 2 cents.  Anyway, it is quite
unique and interesting as said.  Definitely a showpiece gun.  Don't know what else he could have done
to make it flashier.

[Majorjoel]

Thanks guys for chimming in. Most probable a Virginia rifle. I have learned something today. That makes it a good day! Avirc, you have some very nice rifles there! I appreciate you showing them..........Joel

[Buck]

Avlrc,
Beautiful rifles. Thanks for sharing.
Buck

[GrampaJack]

If I can still remember how to do it here are some pictures of an Ohio rifle by Jacob Truby who worked in Dark County. It has 9 mother of pearl inlays along with numerous others. Jack

[realtorone]

A Swivel Breech I own has the same patch box minus the lid engraving.It's signed on both barrels but cannot be read and they are early flint barrels restocked as percussion.
Jan took photo's at Norris Tenn.show  in 2011 and they are posted if you care to look

[Avlrc]

Just checked Morphys site for prices realized for the J Thomas Rifle, don't see the results for it. Think it was lot 284. Maybe it did not reach the reserve, or maybe it was not auctioned off. Anyone know? Just curious...Lot 305, a  highly decorated 1816 did well!

[Curt J]

I once owned a rifle by David Hudson, Napolean, Ohio, that had a number of mother-of-pearl inlays. Not something you often see.

[Majorjoel]

It looks like this rifle as well as a couple of others have been totally removed from the internet auction page. I do not know why??