Grease hole cover for a Mountain Rifle

[Dennis Glazener]

I thought maybe you would like to see a grease hole cover looks like (on bottom rifle). These sometimes were used on southern flint rifles to cover up the "bar" grease that was in the grease hole. The ones I have seen didn't have the beveled end but when I did this one it didn't seem right without it. Makes wiping a patch through the grease easier and also gives better access to opening the lid.
Dennis

Top is a Mathew Gillespie style, bottom is a Harvey Gillespie style


Open box


The other sides of the same rifles

[jim m]

thanks Dennis, makes sense to me. but then If it weren't for the change in my pocket I wouldn't have any sense at all

[Sam Everly]

Dennis ,that is the first time i have seen the Matthew stock pat. I like it , is it off of you M.G rifle. I think one in walnut would be nice . That stock profile is close to the P.G. rifle of Tom Gillespie . It is very close to my Gillespie with the band on the fore end . I did not notice it till i saw these pictures. 

[Dennis Glazener]

Sam,
The top rifle is a pattern of my Mathew. In fact that rifle is the first one built from the pattern. I made the pattern as an exact copy of the original (except i made the butt a little wider) and later found out that I couldn't use a late Ketland (that's why this one has a %@!* Manton on it). I had to get the pattern back and extend the lock panels enough to use the late Ketland lock.
Dennis

[P.Bigham]

Dennis    thanks for postings the photos. Maybe a dumb Question but what separates's a grease cover from a Patch box ? It looks to me like a release spring and a kicker spring?  What would keep the cover from opening when you wouldn't want it to?    This is new to me and you have my curiosity up. Thanks PB

[Dennis Glazener]

Paul,
Good question! I don't know for sure what type springs were used on the rifles that I have seen with grease hole covers. I didn't see them in person only photos and based on not seeing any evidence of catches in the front I assume they were made like I did this one. Its patterned after those Jacob Sheetz rifle and other makers in Hampshire County WVA used. There is a sort of cant lever affair that is riveted/soldered to underside of the lid. The end of this lever rides on a spring. When the lid is opened the lever/spring contact hold the lid open. When it is closed the spring pressure on the lever holds the box closed. Look at this Sheetz capbox and you can see how it works.

[Steve Bookout]

Dennis, there is a Swain County, NC, made rifle that has a grease hole cover similar to yours and one from Ashe County that has a grease hole covered with a wooden board in the shape of a long patchbox, but with no hinge.  It pivots on a screw.  I do admire that little lid.  Cheers, Bookie

[Dennis Glazener]

The ones that I have seen photos of were on Gillespie rifles from Henderson County NC.
Dennis