ALR Museum Gunmaker: Unknown Maker...An extrordinary Half-stock

[Hurricane ( of Virginia)]

An extraordinarily decorated half-stock.

http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?board=240.0

Please add you comments here as a "reply."
Hurricane

[longcruise]

I love that heart and arrow inlay.  The resting stag seems to be inlet quite proud of the wood.  Or, maybe not inlet at all?  Could it be a later addition to the rifle?

[Frank Graves]

I should have mentioned that the heart and arrow inlay is of silver. 

Regarding the stag inlay, it does stand above the wood somewhat and at first I also thought that it might have been a later addition.  The engraving is of identical style as the two animal vignettes on either side of the sideplate and although it is possible that the same engraver could have supplied it later on, I am thinking that it might have popped out and was glued back improperly.  I have resisted the temptation to see if that is what happened and if I should "correct" it.

I have had this rifle for 35 years and have yet to really figure out all of the enigmatic things as discussed by you all.  The A Z Brown rifle that I mentioned is the closest in appearance that I have seen to this one and that AZB rifle does have a similarity or two, but is still quite different and doesn't exhibit the quality of this rifle.  I really hope to finally figure out one day who exactly made this rifle.

[projeeper]

if at all possiable please show the carvings and checkering at the wrist area

[Frank Graves]

Here are the pictures:

[Curt J]

Regardless of who made it, this is a magnificent rifle! I'm one of those non-typical types who finds a rifle like this one every bit as exciting as a "golden-age" Kentucky.

[projeeper]

wow! 7 different panels per side with outstanding carvings.
hold a card and see how the diamonds line up thruout the wrist.
thats hard to do
could this be a dimick rifle?compare the trigger guard with the dimick on don stiths web site