A Rare Flintlock Find

[Feltwad]

Enclosed are images of a English  breech loading flintlock sporting rifle  built on the La Chaumette system a common system throughout the 18th century and part of the 17th century, which was the fore runner of the Ferguson Rifle
Feltwad

[Avlrc]

Feltwad, was the rear sight/plug tightened by hand or with a tool? It looks heavy duty as to take a spanner.  It looks in really great shape. Great find.

[Feltwad]

Avire

Yes I would say that originally there would have been a tool for tighten the plug sight.There is some old restoration too the stock which had worm, it came out of a collection for which the previous owner had it for more than 30 years who informed me that the gun was in the same condition has when he obtained it.
Feltwad

[smart dog]

Hi Feltwad,
Thank you for the photos.  However, I disagree that they represent La Chaumette's design.  In fact, the screw-cap breech you show predates him by a long time.  In his book on English guns and rifles, John Nigel George wrote that there is evidence of screw-cap breechloading rifles used during your civil war. Of course, I am assuming George was accurate because I have never seen a screw-cap gun from that time period.  Mike Brooks briefly owned and showcased a beautiful English example that was made during the latter half of the 17th century.  La Chaumette patented (but may not have invented) a screw plug breech that went completely through the barrel, like the later Ferguson system. 

Again thank you for the photos.  Do you know the maker of the rifle?  I always appreciate your contributions on this forum and enjoy the photos you provide.  I learn a lot from them. 

dave

[Topknot]

Feltwad, now ive seen it all!! I have never seen one of these. Thanks for posting this rifle. You learn a little more every day.

                                                                        topknot

[Feltwad]

Smart Dog

My little research for this rifle was taken from Howard Blackmores book  [Guns And Rifles Of The World}page 60  also  showing image 398 .More reseach may show  different .
Feltwad

[smart dog]

Hi Feltwad,
I attached two photos from Neal and Back's "Great British Gunmakers 1540-1740" showing pistols by Clarkson using the La Chaumette design and a deer rifle by Lambe using a breech design much like your rifle. 
Take care,

dave

[Feltwad]

Enclosed are the following instruction for loading this rifle

Unscrew the plug sight
Pour in the required charge
Hold the muzzle up too settle the powder
Drop in a naked ball
Allow the ball to roll back on the powder
Screw in the plug sight

Small charges are only required
The ball should be larger than the rifled bore too shoot strong
Feltwad