Leman?

[Mike R]

I saw a longrifle in a curio shop in Arkansas over the weekend that looked all original except for a replaced lock bolt, and had a modest price tag, but I neither bought it nor photo'd it, unfortunately....It had a Leman percussion lock on it and what looked like a hammer forged barrel of about .36 +/-.  The furniture was brass and it had a 'fish belly' butt stock of what looked like dark-stained maple.  Does that tell anyone enough to place it regionally?  I may have to go back and look at it again...I don't remember seeing any makers mark on the barrel.  The price was appealing, but I was shopping for an anniversary gift for my wife!

[Buck]

Mike,
I wouldn't suggest the rifle as an anniversary gift!
Buck

[Keb]

Get her a new fishing boat instead.

[Buck]

Keb,
The fishing boat is a great idea, but I was thinking the 122" flat screen with a years supply of pork skins and beer. That way Mike gets to enjoy the gift also.

[Mike R]

My wife understands my crazy hobbies, but might balk at those suggestions for her gift...I recall that some Ohio rifles had fish-belly stocks--any other regions?  This rifle is a full stock gun.

[Buck]

Mike,
Illinois and New york, I saw a New York rifle over the weekend that had a Perch belly stock.

[jdm]

Michigan

[JCKelly]

Buck & JDM -Yes.

Fish/perch belly stock said to have originated southwest New York, became popular in Michigan and Ohio.

However they may look to you, they hold well. I'd say it was the mid-19th century approach to what later was done by putting a pistol grip on a rifle stock.

Disremember if this style was used futher west, ask Curt Johnson.

[Curt J]

Yes, fishbelly stocks are often seen on Illinois-made rifles.  I have also seen a number of Indiana-made rifles with fishbelly stocks. There are variations within the fishbelly architectural style that are noticeably different, I might add.

[Jim Kibler]

The "fishbelly" stock was used quite early, at least by the first quarter of the 17th century.  Perhaps earlier.  It certainly fell out of favor for a considerable time before it appeared again in the 19th century on some percussion guns.   It's amazing how many decorative styles have earlier predecessors. 

[Acer Saccharum]

The "fishbelly" stock was used quite early, at least by the first quarter of the 17th century.  Perhaps earlier.  It certainly fell out of favor for a considerable time before it appeared again in the 19th century on some percussion guns.   It's amazing how many decorative styles have earlier predecessors. 

Yup, as seen in Dutch and German stocks.

It seems like there is really nothing new in this world, it's just a remake of on old idea, or a new application of an old idea.

[Jim Kibler]

The "fishbelly" stock was used quite early, at least by the first quarter of the 17th century.  Perhaps earlier.  It certainly fell out of favor for a considerable time before it appeared again in the 19th century on some percussion guns.   It's amazing how many decorative styles have earlier predecessors. 

Yup, as seen in Dutch and German stocks.

It seems like there is really nothing new in this world, it's just a remake of on old idea, or a new application of an old idea.

Don't forget France / Paris.  This is approaching a time period outside my interest, but I would venture a guess this is where it first showed up. 

[Acer Saccharum]

I hardly ever think about French guns. They're not in my DNA.

[Jim Kibler]

About anything good relating to these guns seems to have happened first in Paris...  A bit of a stretch of course, but plenty of truth as well.

[James Rogers]

Come on Jim. You know the French followed everyone else by about 15 years!
Seriously. You are right of course.

[Acer Saccharum]

I realize the French were the pace-setters for style, but French guns just are not my cup of tea. I like what the Germans did with the French designs.