This is a gun I've had for a number of years, and as usual with most of my guns, I've done a bit of work on it.
According to Sellers, John Brooks worked in Harrisburg, Pa. 1807 to about 1817. He made some very nice carved rifles, and though this one is uncarved, it's still a nice looking gun.
He was also a very good engraver, (for Kentucky rifle standards) and his skill shows on the first couple pictures showing the patchbox.
The gun is long and very slender. The barrel, part octagon, part round, is separated by a 16 sided piece dividing the sections. The barrel is smooth bore, about 50 cal, and about 46 inches long. The round section tapers down and flares slightly at the muzzle.
It was percussioned when I got it, but have since put it back to original flintlock. The lock plate and internals are original, and the flint parts I put on are old antique pieces. It also had a bit of missing wood at the end of the forearm that I replaced as well.
The cheek side of the stock is nicely done and looks good. But of course would have looked better with some of his fine carving!
The side plate is a two piece affair, and interestingly enough has a dark wood inlay around the rear piece, but not around the forward one. There's also a bit of carving at the rear RR pipe area, and double incised line all the way up the forearm. The patchbox release is in the toe, and pressing the cross hatched oval opens it. The forward extension the trigger guard has an iron staple to help hold it in place.
And lastly, the signature. Not much left of it, but with what's left of it and the stock architecture, is no doubt that of John Brooks.
If you'd like to get a closer look at this smooth rifle, I've sent it off with Mike D'Ambra on his next sales trip, so look for his tables at your area gun show.
Thanks for looking. Click on the pic for a larger image, and any questions, just ask.
John
