Looking for Help Flintlock Identification

[Southeren]

I am trying to find a reliable certified Appraiser. I have a “SOUTHEREN” Double Barrel Flintlock that I would like to get an appraisal on. It is 46 ¾ inches long.  I had it gauged years ago as I recall it was between 18 and 19 gauges. The only markings are “SOUTHEREN” on lock plate and “PORTSMOUTH” above the flash pan on top of barrel. There is much engraving on trigger guard, butt, hammers and all around the lock plate.  All engraving appears to be identical on each side. Trigger guard has engraving of a bird dog and what looks like a duck. So I presume the gun was made for duck hunting. All screws are engraved except one; I presume it is a replacement screw. Ports appear to be Gold or perhaps brass and in good condition. I have pics of the shotgun. The gun has been in my family since the 1970s. My father bought it in the 1970s and was knowledgeable in Flintlocks and various other weapons. He used to shoot at the National Muzzle Loading Championships in Friendship Indiana. I am guessing that is where he bought the gun. I have had some tell me it is a replica others have said it could be very valuable and perhaps from an English Lord due to the ornate engravings.

Any help or directions you can head me towards would be greatly appreciated.

Please excuse any wrong nomenclature. I am new at this. Trying to figure out how to post pics.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Photo tutorial http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=10.0

Welcome to the shop! Hope someone has some answers for you. Mean time we would sure love to see the pictures,

[Feltwad]

Records show  there was a gunmaker called Southern not  Southeren. This was a Charles Southern  of Butchers Row ,Southampton , Hants .England in 1804 ,this could be the same  although the spelling is different and may have worked in Portsmouth before or after 1804.
Feltwad

[Southeren]

<a href="http://s839.photobucket.com/albums/zz314/EricJ1/?action=view&current=DSC_0009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz314/EricJ1/DSC_0009.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">[/url]

[Ky-Flinter]

Southeren,

I took the liberty of copying your link and adding the correct coding to show the picture.



Please send more pictures.  Just showing 1 is teasing!

-Ron

[Southeren]

KyFlinter Thank you very much. I have not been able to figure pic posting out here. But here are 3 more pics that show greater detail of engraving. I would be very grateful if you could help me again.








 (Edited by Dennis)

[Mike Brooks]

Condition is everything with these. Yours looks to be in pretty good shape. Value  $2500 to $3500 perhaps more depending on just how good it is.

[Southeren]

Mike .......... my father and Curly Gostomski were very good friends, they confered on building firearms (Muzzle Loaders), with each other and shot against eachother at Friendship Indiana during the Nationals.  Curly owned North Star West Traders.

The primitive range at Friendship is named after Curly.

"Curly'' Gostomski, longtime NMLRA director and avid rendezvouser and gunsmith. Curly's guns are well known for being historically accurate, and this firearm is no exception. This musket pattern isn't common, but there are a few extant originals around in America today, and Curly based his on a specimen held in the Smithsonian collection."

Quoted from Muzzle Blasts May 1996, Volume 1, Number 1.

In the early 1990s Curly offered me 5,000 for ye olde double barrel. I believe any that new Curly would say he knew his Flints.

 I am by no means an expert, however it looks fireable. Not that I would or even suggest that one should fire it.

Thanks for your input.

[Mike Brooks]

In the early 1990s Curly offered me 5,000 for ye olde double barrel

Probably should have took the cash. That's pretty good money for that gun back then for a gun with out a big name on it. I have several flint guns of that era that I shoot, so do be afraid to do that.
 I knew Curly myself. Made the big mistake of camping next to him and his buds at the '84 midwest rendezvous. Drank all night slept all day..... not the greatest of neighbors unless you were nocturnal and enjoyed drunks.

[Mike Brooks]

In the early 1990s Curly offered me 5,000 for ye olde double barrel

Probably should have took the cash. That's pretty good money for that gun back then for a gun with out a big name on it. I have several flint guns of that era that I shoot, so don't be afraid to do that.
 I knew Curly myself. Made the big mistake of camping next to him and his buds at the '84 midwest rendezvous. Drank all night slept all day..... not the greatest of neighbors unless you were nocturnal and enjoyed drunks.

[Southeren]

Not real interested in selling more curious than anything. Just trying to find info. and see how far back I could gather info. on it. I don't see any indications of past well known owner. But will continue to find what info. I can. Just started trying to run it down the past year or so.

Yea Curly was a character. It sure was / is nice having something he wanted. I would run into at various places and share his campfire with him. Always enjoyed him and his storys.

I can agree could be difficult to camp next to him at a shoot what a hoot he was.

Thanks for info.