Samuel J. Laudenslager, Union County, PA

[Ruster]

I found this percussion longrifle in the corner of a third-rate pawn shop just outside of Washington, DC, in Maryland.  This particular store seems to specialize in well-worn power tools, outdated VCR tapes, and other junk.  It certainly wasn't a place that someone would look for antique firearms.  I made an offer and the owner quickly accepted.  Although it's not a spectacular item, it still is a piece of American history and needs to be seen.

[okieboy]

 I find this rifle very appealing. I like the architecture and it looks like a practical piece that would get carried out to the woods for a pleasant day of hunting.

[Eric Kettenburg]

Great color on the brass, too, not over-polished through the years.  Great condition and color.

[Loudy]

Ruster,
Thanks for posting photos of this rifle.  Nice example of this gunsmiths work.  Tulip engraving on finial and incised carved lines that extend up and around front of lock and side panels are signature features.  Do you see wriggle engraving work on triggerguard? Is there an iron rivet at the shoulder of the two piece entry pipe?  If possible, it would be great to see photos of the cheek side of the stock. Thanks again.
Loudy

[Craig Wilcox]

That was a very lucky find indeed!  Most pawn shops these days are not at all like the "Pawn Stars" shop. and are just packed with old tools and such.

It IS a beautiful piece of history, and well worth the rescue you did.

[Ruster]

Loudy, here you go.

[Loudy]

Ruster,
Thank you the additional photos.  Nice S.L. rifle.  Very thrifty how he made the lock bolt escutcheon from the patchbox finial cut out.  Also take a close look the patchbox lid release spring on your rifle.  The way he made these was an impressive little exhibition of craftmanship.
Loudy

[AZshot]

That's a pretty rifle, I'd say you did the right thing to buy it. 

When and where did gunsmiths get percussion locks in this era, that had engravings of gamebirds and such? 

[Ruster]

Making a gun lock was one of the most difficult and time consuming tasks.  Most gunsmiths during this period purchased their locks from smiths that specialized in making them.  Many locks were manufactured in Europe and then sold to gunsmiths in the U.S.  The various scenes found on lock plates where most often rolled or stamped on, not engraved.

[dogbest]

Nice. I like it!