Longrifle Identification

[compassneedle]

Recently I purchased this longrifle. I am not that familiar with them and in attempting to research it I found this excellent site. The barrel is .40 cal, 7/8 inches across the flats and 41 3/8 inches long. In a panel with wavy edges on top of the barrel it is marked D H in script letters. The H did not photograph well so have included a drawing of it. The lock is marked Warranted. The hammer and lock have some light rather rudimentary "engraving". Opinions regarding maker, age and area of origin would be appreciated. Thanks.

[yesterdayschild]

I can't tell you anything about it but, I really like the looks of it!

[Robby]

Patchbow and the general line of it looks western Pennsylvania, Pittsburg area, probably originally flint. Have to dig out my book.
Robby

[jdm]

Back action lock. Never flint.

[Shreckmeister]

DH?  I know I’ve seen those patchbox side plates before

[FALout]

Don’t see any wood patchwork and since it has a back action lock, very unlikely to ever been flint.

[flintlock hunter]

The initials are not the same but the border is. Mine is a Alexander Dalby from Washington county in western Pa. I have also seen this border on other western pa. rifles.

[Dan'l 1946]

    Is it just my ancient eyes, or is the bore way off center? 

[Bob Roller]

As stated,a back action lock and never was a flintlock.Run a long rod down the barrel and see if it has a long forgotten load in it
do you plan to fire it? Don't until a gunsmith familiar with muzzle loaders replaces the drum and nipple and takes a close look at
the breech plug threads.As it is it is a nice looking antique and worth keeping.
Bob Roller

[Daryl]

    Is it just my ancient eyes, or is the bore way off center?

Wee bit on the "High" side, looks to me.

[compassneedle]

Thanks to everyone who replied to my post. Your information is greatly appreciated. I had intended to take the rifle to the Baltimore show in March to acquire information , but I live in Canada and the border issues re COVID testing would have made my return difficult. Haven't been able to attend for three years now. Two replies have suggested a western Pennsylvania origin and the style of the initials and border is very similar to the Alexander Dalby rifle in Barry's photo. And as Dan'l1946 noted, the bore is indeed off centre. Is this common in this vintage and type of rifle? As advised by Bob Roller I checked and believe the rifle is loaded. There is about 3/4 inches of something down at the breech plug. I don't have a ball puller long enough so will have to make something. I don't intend to fire it. When posting the original photos I forgot these two. Does this "plate" have a specific purpose? Is it a repair?

[Longknife]

When drilling the ram rod hole if the drill wanders and comes out at the bottom of the stock the hole is covered with a
"wear" plate...ORR it might have been just added as a wear plate....Ed

[Tom Currie]

Stock probably wore through to the RR channel due to hard use or being carried in some kind of binding while on horse back over many years. Wood would  have been thin at that area.

[compassneedle]

Thanks for the wear plate information, much appreciated.