Frazier Museum J P Beck pix

[Stophel]

Although hard to see in the photos, there are several HUGE casting pits in the buttplate, and I think one or two in the sideplate.  They did not seem to concern him.

 

The lock is totally normal.  Very common to have the frizzen spring mounted with a screw from the inside.  In fact, more often than not.

Just me, but I would put a date of 1780's-1790's on this gun.

[b bogart]

This has been one of the most informative posts to me. Lots of detail discussions and pictured examples. Thanks gentlemen!
Bruce

[cheyenne]

Thanks for posting this.

[chrisdefrance]

Paul - Thank you for all the photographs and measurements. This is an outstanding wooden John Phillip Beck. You made my day with all the posts. Thank you, again.

                     Chris

[KLMoors]

Great information and pics.  Thanks!

[Top Jaw]

Can someone provide what's on the engraved inscription on the butt?  Can't make it all out in the pic's.

Thanks

[Don Getz]

Beck is probably my favorite builder.  I am now working on a gun with a 44" octagon to round barrel in 28 ga. smoothbore.  It
will be a Beck "barn gun", might even do a wood box on it, but that will be the only addition.  These pictures have to be the
best thing going for studying his guns.  Paul, you have done a great service for us guys that like to build Beck guns......Don

[oakridge]

Thanks for the "revival". I enjoyed it as much as the first time around.

[Tom Currie]

A very informative thread. Thank you for all the pics and information. I have had parts for a Beck gathering patina in my parts box for quite a while. I need to make use of them.

[Cory Joe Stewart]

How long are the ramrod pipes?

Coryjoe

[Majorjoel]

It is nice to see this thread revived!  As to the unanswered question regarding the butt plate inscription;  "To President George Washington, Mount Vernon, A.D. 1791, Virginia".  This rifle was found in a house in the 1920's near Jonesboro Pennsylvania, and was purchased for one hundred dollars. Research has not documented it to be Washington's, but the engraving is of the period of the rifle.  This rifle is pictured and described in the book "Accouterments"  (first volume) by James R. Johnston.  This was my source for the above information.

[mr. no gold]

It rather resembles the barrel engraving on the Martin Meylin gun. This gun was old when it was given to Washington; it may be one of Beck's earliest pieces given the resemblance to the Beck in the KRF display at the NRA museum. With so many top makers on hand in Lebanon in the 1790s, why would the citizenry present an old arm to him rather than a new one by Beck, Beyer, Berry or other builder? Just some unsettled thoughts on this.
It is a wonderful gun regardless of its provenience and would be the centerpiece of any museum's collection, regardless of who owned it.
Dick

 

[ptk1126]

The ramrod pipes are 1.25" long and .375" inside diameter.

All the best
Paul