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Author Topic: David Morton rifle  (Read 17308 times)

Offline B Shipman

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David Morton rifle
« on: December 23, 2008, 07:42:34 AM »
Finally found a day to take pictures. The rifle doesn't  feel cold but it must have been 5 deg. with the wind chill. 44 in. Rice barrel .45 B wt.















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Greg Field

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #1 on: December 23, 2008, 07:52:45 AM »
WOW. Very beautiful.
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Offline smart dog

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #2 on: December 23, 2008, 07:56:20 AM »
Hi Bill,
That is a beautiful gun (as always). What an interesting mix of styling.  Lots of carving behind the cheek piece and under the rear thimble but no barrel tang carving.  Lots of metal inlays but not overdone and mixed with great carving.  It is so American.  Thanks for sharing.  You really are one of the best.

dave
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Offline D. Taylor Sapergia

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #3 on: December 23, 2008, 09:01:06 AM »
It is truly gorgeous Bill.  And completely recognizable as a David Morton, and a Bill Shipman.

Tell me about the first barrel key and the escutcheons, and their relationship to the entry pipe.  Does the barrel tennon have two lips like a Brown Bess?
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Art is not an object.  It is the excitement inspired by the object.

lew wetzel

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #4 on: December 23, 2008, 02:17:16 PM »
very impressive!!!carving and engraving are excellant.you really put out a grand rifle...
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Offline Doug Cline

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #5 on: December 23, 2008, 03:04:20 PM »
Beautiful rifle, I really like the way the patch box engraving pattern ties the lid to the side plates
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Offline G-Man

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #6 on: December 23, 2008, 03:49:06 PM »
Bill - beautiful piece.  I don't know anything about Morton - I think you said he was in western PA(?).  The gun looks to me to have a lot of similarities to guns made around Sheperdstown (West) Virginia, Berkely County, etc. Christian Beck, Sheets, etc.  Was he working somewhere in Pennsylvania that was close to that part of West Virginia?

Guy
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Offline Lucky R A

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #7 on: December 23, 2008, 04:03:57 PM »
Bill,  That is a really nice rendition of a Morton.  Few contemporary builders work in this style, and many do not realize the effort required to do the comb plates and wear plates commonly used on these guns.   Are you going to bring it along up to Lewisburg  for show and tell in Feb. or has it already found a new home?    Nice clean work as always.   Best wishes of the season,    Ron
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famouseagle

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #8 on: December 23, 2008, 06:13:54 PM »
Wonderful work, Bill.

Western PA "Golden Age" gunmakers have been somewhat ignored by contemporary builders.  Perhaps it's because of the degree of difficulty required to do a proper recreation. 

Rosenberger and Kauffman's book on Western PA gunmakers is an excellent source of information on Morton and others.  The color plates show the incredible engraving and carving on the originals.
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Offline Curtis

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #9 on: December 23, 2008, 07:03:16 PM »
Stunning!!!
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Curtis Allinson
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Sometimes, late at night when I am alone in the inner sanctum of my workshop and no one else can see, I sand things using only my fingers for backing

Offline M Tornichio

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #10 on: December 23, 2008, 08:20:01 PM »
nice looking rifle Bill.
I am glad you shared the pictures with us.
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J Shingler

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #11 on: December 23, 2008, 08:48:06 PM »
Bill not much I can add! Truly another work of art. Excellent job .... again.

Jeff Shingler
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Offline jerrywh

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #12 on: December 23, 2008, 09:20:11 PM »
It's always a treat to see a Bill shipman gun. They are never boring and always done  to the highest standard.  The antiquing is very nice and not over done. Perfect as one could ask for.
 I would have to include Bill Shipman in my list of the best Muzzle loading gun makers in the world. 
 
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Offline Tom Currie

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #13 on: December 23, 2008, 11:41:38 PM »
Beautifully done Bill, as always.
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Offline Gene Carrell

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #14 on: December 24, 2008, 12:11:06 AM »
Gorgeous!
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Gene

Offline Eric Fleisher

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #15 on: December 24, 2008, 12:12:38 AM »
Another outstanding rifle!
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Offline J. Talbert

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #16 on: December 24, 2008, 12:30:38 AM »
Bill,

If your denistry is half as good as your gun making, then you must be one $#*! of a dentist. ;D ;D
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Offline Ken G

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #17 on: December 24, 2008, 12:56:00 AM »
Bill,
Beautiful work as you always do.  Everything about it is first class outstanding.
Ken
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billd

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #18 on: December 24, 2008, 12:56:38 AM »
Humor an amateur here.  What are the white inlays in the patchbox peircings?

Bill
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Offline Ed Wenger

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #19 on: December 24, 2008, 05:41:21 AM »
Bill...

You've done it again my friend, absolutely beautiful...  You've got an outstanding ability to capture the heart and soul of the builder/style you're creating and this Morton certainly continues that talent.  Great job all around, especially with the inlays.  Thanks for the pics and the inspiration as usual!

Ed
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Ed Wenger

Offline Jim Filipski

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #20 on: December 24, 2008, 06:05:09 AM »
Bill,
Truly Beautiful!
I just got to ask........ how many Manhattans?

Just super work!
Jim
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FlintRock Rob

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #21 on: December 24, 2008, 06:54:00 AM »
Bill, that is spectacular. Thanks for taking the time in the cold to take photos of it.  :)
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Offline Herb

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #22 on: December 24, 2008, 07:49:19 AM »
Morton worked in Westmoreland Co., PA.  See Famouseagle's reference.  He probably worked in Rostraver Township from about 1808 to 1823, when Jacob Wigle was there part of that time.  FE's reference says Morton's rifles show influences from Lancaster County and Maryland and Virginia, but it is not known where or from whom he learned his trade.
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Herb

ironwolf

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #23 on: December 24, 2008, 01:57:46 PM »
  Very sweet indeed.  I especially like the lock engraving.
KW
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Offline Gary Tucker

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Re: David Morton rifle
« Reply #24 on: December 24, 2008, 03:37:12 PM »
Great looking rifle, Bill!!  I think David Morton should be regarded as one of the great masters.  Your work reflects the same greatness.  All of the emements really blend together beautifully.
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Gary Tucker
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