Can anyone identify the builder?

[Dave R]

 Please identify the builder of the gun in the 2 attached pictures if you can! This original antique Includes 2 individual barrels one approx 32 gauge smooth bore and the second approx .40 caliber rifled barrel with a rare beautifully engraved side slapper pill lock and an exceptional burl crotch walnut stock, It is very sleek well made gun and displayed in a exceptional felt lined presentation case with lock and key.

[Shreckmeister]

That key is from the 70s. Same one on the gun cabinet dad built

[Steve Collward]

  Very nice looking rifle. It looks to be in the style of rifles made by William Gardner of Geneva, N.Y.
  Gardner made many mule ear rifles, with his name often found on the lock. He also stamped his name on the barrel. If this rifle was made by him, especially of this quality, I am puzzled why he did not stamp it.
  Is there any chance of getting a photo of the left side of the rifle and underside of the trigger guard?

 

[Dave R]

Steve I wish I had a picture of the left side!
If I ever get to see it again I will snap a few
More pictures! Thanks for your information!
Shreckmeister I donated the key it did not come with
The gun ! Good eye!!

[Dave R]

Steve what years did Mr Gardner build guns?

[Steve Collward]

Dave,
  "The New York Firearms Trade" (Swinney & Rowe) cite Gardner working from about "1817-70 or 1875".  He was born Oct. 29, 1791 and died Feb. 23, 1882.
Attached are two examples of his work, both being full stock rifles.  Note the trigger guard has a "V" design on the bottom.  Several other Gardner rifles I have seen have that simple decorative feature.
   Hope this is of some help.
 
p.s. Maybe a Moderator can move this thread to the "Antique Gun Collecting" section?

[GA Turner]

Addittional pics of rifle in this discussion

[Mike Brooks]

The gun in question is also a pill lock. The lock panels are very similar on all these guns.