Help Identify this Rifle, please

[hawknknife]

This small bore percussion rifle was purchased from an elderly gentleman this weekend.  I need help about age and value if possible. 

The caliber is .30 to .32 and the bore is about mirror bright with 6 lands and 6 grooves.  The barrel length is 28 inches, has a patent hooked breach, and is very weekly marked on the side flat "AL-------------K  Worcester".  The rifle's engraved lock is marked, "Bell, London" and overall it appears to be in excellent condition.  I noticed an unusual feature in that there is a set trigger screw in the side of the lock and the lock has a two click tumbler.  The pull is 13 inches and the barrel is 7/8th inch at the muzzle.

Can anyone tell me any details on this rifle? I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks
Carl
http://www.hawknknife.com
hawknknife@hotmail.com

[Curt J]

What a cute little rifle!  I believe the maker's name is ALLEN & WHEELOCK, WORCESTER (Massachusetts).

[JTR]

The name looks like it could read Allen & Wheelock to me also.
Allen & Wheelock was a partnership with Ethan Allen firearms from 1856 to 1865, according to the 9th edition of Flaydermans Guide, although it doesn't show a picture of anything quite like yours.
John

[halfstock]

I would suggest that you should look toward england for a maker.

[Hudnut]

Can't see an A&W barrel being on an English rifle.  There were a lot of English locks used on guns this side of the pond, though.
Might be an A&W barrel which was used by a gunmaker, rather than this being an A&W rifle.
Attractive, tidy rifle.  Years ago, I saw another small bore, ribless rifle, with the rod set in a groove on the bottom flat.  Not a common feature.

[Bob Roller]

E.M.Farris,one of the mainsprings in the start up of the NMLRA had a fine George Ferris match rifle with a groove in the bottom flat of the barrel and it too was turned for a starter.
It was 38 caliber with a Remington Cast Steel barrel and I used  it in indoor shoots we had in the National Guard Armory in Portsmouth,Ohio and won several bushel baskets of groceries with it. The rule for indoor shoots was nothing bigger than a 40 caliber with no more than 40 grains of powder. I hope whoever has this fine rifle knows what it is and appreciates it.

Bob Roller

[smokinbuck]

hawknknife,
I believe Bob has gont this one pegged. Round muzzle would not need to be turned for a starter but the butt plate and screw hole for an aperture tang sight says target to me.
Mark Probably a Remington barrel.

[Sequatchie Rifle]

The trigger guard reminds me of Silas Allen of Mass.