This longrifle, barrel "39 inches, unsigned, converted, smoothbore (at present) of about 50 cal.; somewhat rough in places on the white metal work; tastefully gracile; walked into an AOLRC (Association of Ohio Long Rifle Collectors) antique gun show in Newark, Ohio a year or so before the Pandemic. Seems to have been a local possession (though not confirmed). I came by it recently and am attempting to "place" it in terms of regional style, if not maker. After perusing everything I have on Ohio rifles, it seems the sort of low roman nose and "York county" (?) style patch box was not a frequent combination among Ohio makers (some of whom were transplants or temporaries residents before making for points west). One name does rise to the surface as a possibility -- Nathan Kile (1797-) (whose 1817 dated rifle is in the Smithsonian Institution-- easy to find by typing his name into the "Collections" inbox) is listed at working somewhere along Raccoon Creek In Jackson Co. Ohio. Material on Kile's life (born in Virginia) is found in Spiker and Whisker's Arms Makers of Ohio (and other publications of the AOLRC) It is interesting that Raccoon Creek runs through Newark. I have not seen the Smithsonian flint rifle first hand -- but it appears to be a fancier (carving and more inlays, one piece sideplate) and somewhat earlier rifle that the one in the pictures here. I do see some similarities in overall stock design (lock area moldings, comb and wrist, etc.) and certain details including placement of inlays, general style of engraving, piercings on the lower patch box, shape of belly plate. I am just hoping here if there is anything about the pictures below that ring any bells. The front sight is a small iron peg that seems to have been there a long time (barrel may have been shortened at one point?) and the belly plate may have been removed and replaced at some point (maybe in a refinishing attempt). Any thoughts appreciated
