Looking for more information on this Wm Lewis (marked) rifle

[Dennis Glazener]

As you can see this barrel is signed "Wm Lewis". There is a William S. Lewis listed in James B. Whisker's "Gunsmiths and allied Tradesmen of TN".

(1842-  ) gunsmith. 1860 Elizabethtown, Carter County. William, age 18, apprentice to his brother Lawson; born in IN

I would probably have guessed this was a Unico County TN rifle but its not that far from Elizabethtown (today's Elizabethton TN).

An 1842 date I can accept for this rifle but its a very nice rifle for such a young builder. Of course he may have started his apprenticeship when he was 12 or so.

Any thoughts or more information that might apply to this rifle?
Dennis

[gibster]

Looks like a nice rifle Dennis.  Any chance of seeing a picture of the entry thimble and a side view of the nose cap?

[David R. Pennington]

Looks like a repair on the side plate panel. Odd place for damage? Just wondering.

[Dennis Glazener]

Looks like a nice rifle Dennis.  Any chance of seeing a picture of the entry thimble and a side view of the nose cap?

Eric,
I had uploaded the one with the entry pipe and forgot to include it. I don't have one for the muzzle cap.
Dennis

[Dennis Glazener]

Looks like a repair on the side plate panel. Odd place for damage? Just wondering.

Actually two repairs there. Have no idea how/why since this was done prior to the current owner obtaining the rifle.

Dennis