Eister Influenced?

[GrampaJack]

I have owned this rifle for many years but have never got around to researching it.  It has a 39” barrel that appears to have been cut back about an inch at the muzzle.  Bore appears to be just under 50. The gun was originally flint and I believe the lock is the original.  The only good reference I have is Kindig. I have looked through it and the only thing that struck me was the similarity of the patch box with those of George Eister.  All the examples (Nos. 127-131) are just too close to ignore. Having said that, Kindig points out that all of Eister’s work has a square rivet holding the patch box latch, an elongated lid release bar, and ornate triggers. None of these show on my example. Probably the biggest problem is the side plate which does not begin to resemble an Eister gun. So – what do we have here?  I have always speculated that the gun was made by someone who worked for, or was influenced by, Eister. Kindig suggests some possibilities including: John Nichman, Andrew Kopp, Jacob Altland, Frederick Sell, John Armstrong, Samuel Grove, and Adam Ernst.  Bear in mind that, I spend a lot of time being wrong, and I’m comfortable with that. Any thoughts?  Thanks, Jack   

[Shreckmeister]

Looks alot like rifles from the Easton area. Young,States

[Jim Kibler]

Seems to be a pretty late flint period gun.  Eister and others in York had a significant influence on work that followed.  I've seen other later percussion rifles with boxes that were definitely a descendant of that from Eister.  Think one was an Ohio rifle, but will have to check. 

[mr. no gold]

Wonder if it wasn't made in NY state? Some patchbox designs were quite similar to York patterns. I guess that the barrel is unsigned or a name would have been mentioned? Nice rifle with fine wood and would be a stand out gun on any wall. Thank you for letting all of us have a look at it.
Dick

[Avlrc]

Most patchboxes that look similar to this one, that I have seen are four piece.Some being, Jacob Christ,George Eister,John Sherry,Phillip Creamer & many more. Yours appears to be two piece.The panels and finial all being one piece. What area or maker used the two piece box? They are kind of rare, arent they? On page 15 of the Red Patchbox book, there is a two piece box that may be similar to yours (no name) but has a side hinged lid.

[Avlrc]

http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/j.-m.-caswell-fullstock-flintlock-rifle.-cal.-52-1-c-cda6b2de60

[Buck]

Grampa Jack,
New York, I&H Meacham from Albany, listed in the directory in 1802. At least for the lock. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Buck

[GrampaJack]

The Caswell is a real good fit for sure. Any more information on him?  Thanks for the help. Jack

[Shreckmeister]

I'm thinking  Caswell was a higher ranking military officer like a Colonel maybe?

[jdm]

Nice call Mr. no gold, I think you sent us on the right path.

[GrampaJack]

From looking at the pictures from the auction that gun appears to be much thicker and the patch box is also heavy with out engraving. My gun has better lines and the patch box appears to be more delicate in my opinion. Also, I noticed when taking these pictures that the barrel is held in by tiny keys as opposed to pins. You can clearly see the key in the picture of the entry thimble.  Here are some more pictures. This gun has had heavy use and the engraving is almost worn off the box and the wear plate is really beat up.  Thanks, there is a peaunt butter pie with my name on it waiting for me so I got to go. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Jack

[GrampaJack]

I went back to print this for my records and I  realized I never properly thanked everyone for the help.  So, thanks to all,  it was very helpful  and gave me some real leads to follow. Jack