Another Nathaniel Oates Rifle

[bluenoser]

This just followed me home and I have not had an opportunity to closely examine it.  As can be seen, it is in need of a lock and some repair around the lock panel.  There is also a very old repair to the forearm and the entry thimble has been missing for a long time - perhaps when the forearm was damaged.  Only the lock and panel will be tended to.
The inscription on the cap box suggests it was made in early 1854 which, if I am not mistaken, suggests it was made after his move to Missouri.  The barrel is 40 3/4" long and the slug in the patchbox mikes .382", so .38 cal.
I am happy to provide more pics and/or details and would welcome it's inclusion in the library.
Clicking on the images will enlarge them.
https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=24270.0
https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=2639.0

BTW - As you might expect, I find myself in need of an appropriate lock.  If anyone has one they are willing to part with, I am most interested in purchasing.  The plate is just under 4 11/16" long and my best guess is about 7/8" wide.  I will try to scale the plates on the Oates rifles in the library.

[Seth Isaacson]

If you'd like to have it added to the library, please see the sticky at the top about the library submissions. I'd be happy to take the time to add this one to the library. When you are done with the restoration, we could add some restored photos as well.

[bluenoser]

Thanks Seth.
I will initiate inclusion once I have a better understanding of what additional/better photos and stats should be included.  The lighting was poor and some of these photos are not the greatest.  I can do better.

[Hungry Horse]

  This is a nice gun. The cap box on the cheek rest is something you don’t see often. Nice wood as well. What size lock is likely to fit the mortise. I have a partial set of parts from an iron mounted mountain rifle that includes a Golcher lock with fly, a beautiful hand forged buttplate, and a set of of double set single phase triggers. To be honest I haven’t run onto them in my parts bin in a while, but I know I still have them. If you think my lock might fit your gun, let me know and I’ll start digging.

Hungry Horse

[Avlrc]

Nice, I like seeing this one.  The stock profile changed once he left Hampshire County, but that patchbox is the same. The capbox is different from the long ones he used  under the cheek piece  here in HC.   I like the owner's name on the cap box & date.   I have one of his rifles; mine is in the ALR library.  Congratulations on your find, and thanks for sharing.

[bluenoser]

The lock plate is 4.68" long (just under 4 11/16") and, based on the two rifles in the library, should be about .95" wide at the breech.  I plan to post a WTB ad and any help is appreciated.

[homerifle]

It's nice to see another Oats rifle pop out of someone's closet. Seeing the date on it is a nice addition. Everything about it still looks like Hampshire County even after the move. All the hardware is the same and the double line forestock molding. The butt stock is a little out of the norm, but I feel that was done to accommodate the large capbox. That style box was used mostly on the right side of the stock and the smaller rectangular box for caps was tucked under the cheek piece. Thanks for posting pictures of your new found treasure.

[Jacob_S_P]

I believe I have one of those. The acorn patchbox finial drew me to it, but the forearm architecture appears to be identical - mine appears to be unsigned.

[bluenoser]

Please post pics.

[Jacob_S_P]

Will do when I get home.