thoughts on this rifle? Reading? York?

[backsplash75]

I'd love to hear thoughts/opinions on origin, date of restocking and time period.

Reading, Pennsylvania flintlock long rifle, approximately .68 caliber, with brass furniture to include an engraved three-piece patchbox and tiger cherry stock with incised and relief carving, 43 1/2" octagonal barrel. Provenance: From the Collection of Jo and Jim Adams, York, Pennsylvania.

Condition
Request Condition Report
Buttplate - 1 3/4" w., butt is 4 3/4" h. Original finish. Reconverted, lock is replaced, restocked possibly by one of the Shrivers of York County.

[120RIR]

I wonder what about this rifle suggests it was restocked?  I hope some will provide insights.

[Shreckmeister]

Good question

[JTR]

For/if a restock, someone went to a lot of work to hide it.
I wonder if the crack in the stock behind the trigger guard is real, or faked? 
John

[whetrock]

For/if a restock, someone went to a lot of work to hide it.
I wonder if the crack in the stock behind the trigger guard is real, or faked? 
John

John, Are you seeing something that suggests a contemporary restock? Maybe I'm missing something?

[rich pierce]

It's a bit of an odd mix.  To me the furniture says Reading, the architecture as well, but the carving behind the cheekpiece is not screaming Reading specifically.  If a restock it may have been done in the period as suggested.  I see it as a desirable Golden Age rifle.

[Buck]

My first thought at first glance was Metzger. I can’t remember if he was a Lancaster or Maryland builder or both. The box IMHO isn’t York or Reading - could be a later addition? Interesting piece for sure - I like it.

Buck

[rich pierce]

My first thought at first glance was Metzger. I can’t remember if he was a Lancaster or Maryland builder or both. The box IMHO isn’t York or Reading - could be a later addition? Interesting piece for sure - I like it.

Buck

Metzger was both in Lancaster and later, Maryland, I believe.  Good call.

[Buck]

Rich,

I believe you’re correct, a reversal to the Westward migration. I also agree with the furniture less the box being from Reading - carving could go both ways. I like the rifle, its early - box could fall into the late Metzger Maryland category/ later addition. I believe his Son finished up his career in Maryland.

Buck