Author Topic: Unusual Percussion Euro Boys ? Rifle  (Read 2982 times)

Offline Majorjoel

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Unusual Percussion Euro Boys ? Rifle
« on: April 03, 2013, 08:54:15 PM »
I have run across quite a few unusual percussion set ups in the past. This little petite European rifle is one such piece. It has a 24" barrel, and an over all length of just 39". It is very light weight.  I have not measured across the barrel flats but it is very narrow maybe even less than 3\4". The nipple bolster is more like a bowl attached to the barrel and the nipple sticks straight up perpendicular to the barrel. Kind of a hard downward slam for the hammer which you may notice has a crack started which needs my attention. This rifle having an original peep sight with it makes me wonder what it's purpose would be for. It is about a 36 caliber with good deep slow twist riffling. Also equipped with sling swivels (back one missing). Another interesting feature are the ram rod thimbles are dove tailed right into the barrel itself. There are no markings or proofs of any kind on this rifle. Has anyone any ideas as to where it was made or for what purpose?  Thanks all for your input........Joel           
« Last Edit: April 03, 2013, 08:55:38 PM by Majorjoel »
Joel Hall

Offline Majorjoel

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Re: Unusual Percussion Euro Boys ? Rifle
« Reply #1 on: April 03, 2013, 08:57:03 PM »
       
« Last Edit: April 03, 2013, 08:58:40 PM by Majorjoel »
Joel Hall

Offline Majorjoel

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Re: Unusual Percussion Euro Boys ? Rifle
« Reply #2 on: April 03, 2013, 09:00:20 PM »
   
Joel Hall

Offline Bob Roller

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Re: Unusual Percussion Euro Boys ? Rifle
« Reply #3 on: April 04, 2013, 12:51:49 AM »
No idea as to what it is but it's obviously made by a good maker.
Have you had the barrel out of the wood to see if there are any
marks or? How about the lock? It looks to be of good quality on
the outside. Nice looking double set triggers too.
Maybe a muzzle loading Zimmerstuzen and that nipple arrangement is
certainly different.

Bob Roller

Offline duca

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Re: Unusual Percussion Euro Boys ? Rifle
« Reply #4 on: April 04, 2013, 02:06:31 AM »
I don't know but it looks like that ramrod thimble is dove tailed in a little deep no?  
« Last Edit: April 04, 2013, 02:07:17 AM by duca »
...and on the eighth day
God created the Longrifle...

Offline Majorjoel

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Re: Unusual Percussion Euro Boys ? Rifle
« Reply #5 on: April 04, 2013, 02:00:18 PM »
Bob, I did remove the barrel and lock and found no markings anywhere. Everything seems to be very well made and functions crisp and proper. The hammer cocks back a long way before it engages the half cock notch, then a short distance back to full cock. I haven't slammed any caps off yet until I get the hammer crack welded up. I can tell by the throw distance and the spring tension that it will come down with a lot of force. The original nipple looked like someone hit it with a sledge hammer! A few years ago my brother who is a machinist made me some nipples for an old German cape gun. It just so happened that these fit the threads of this kids rifle. duca, I measured the dove tail notches and have a good bit of metal to the bore chamber. I took the photo at an angle to highlight the notch lines and from this angle they appear greater size than in reality. I appreciate all of your comments. 
Joel Hall