relic buttstock from Texas

[mountainman70]

Hi friends,here are a couple pics of an old buttstock I got from a guy in Texas a couplke years ago.Would like to have seen the rest of it.Any ideas as to what style it may have looked like?Also,photobucket cant leave well enuff alone.I like to never got back on the old version.It is probly just my bein an ol geezer.Too bad.Thanks,Dave


ps,obverse side has a small ky style cheekpiece with a hunter star

[Mike Brooks]

I'm no expert on this style of rifle but it makes me think Leman.

[mr. no gold]

Not enough left of it to ever really know, but it could be a rifle made by a Texas gun maker. Chris Hirsch wrote a book not so long ago that lists the makers he could find. If you can locate a copy, you might look for one that is comparable somewhere in the pages of the book. There are lots of photos in it. Good luck!
Dick

[alyce-james]

Good evening Sir; "The Texas Gun Trade 1780-1899", by Chris Hirsch. Publishers Woonsocket. R.I.: Andrew Mowbray Incorporated. If interested you can order copies, call 1-800-999-4697. I have no connection with any person involved with this book. The book is a bit pricey. However each page is packed with endless information and pictures. I'll go through my copy and see if I can locate information which may help you with your questions. AJ.  

[Hungry Horse]

I agree with Mike. It looks like an early Leman. Both patchbox, and trigger guard, are Leman style, and the stock shape is right as well.


                        Hungry Horse


   

[Dphariss]

Trying to judge a gun of this period, or almost any other, by the hardware alone can be risky. At the time this rifle was made anyone could buy this stuff ready to install and even engraved from hardware stores/parts suppliers.

Dan

[Dphariss]

I can find Deringers that with similar buttstocks slight curve to the comb. Given the common hardware applying a name is supposition.
Appeared to be a nice rifle by the buttstock shaping, shame....
Dan

[mountainman70]

Thanks for the input guys.I am currently building a fullstock small walnut percussion rifle,and plan on fitting these parts,and shaping butt on forward like this.However,if any collector out here is interested in acquiring it,as is,just pm me,and go from there.I have several small buttplates from south Texas,and some t guards,and a pbox or 2 I can use instead of these parts.Have a great weekend.Dave

[PPatch]

The fellow you got it from have a story about it? Where found, anything like that? I could make up a whole short story around that relic, it is just dripping "lost cause" and terminal adventure.

dave

[mountainman70]

Story goes like this--Man I bought from is in late 50s.His dad is/was a lifelong gunsmith in south Texas,has been working on stuff better than 60 years.Reportedly has many old parts and relic stocks,tho I havent seen em,I did buy a box load of locks,triggs,guards,and buttplates,and the patchboxes I posted pics of a while back.No tellin the real story here,many 1/4 dowel s in wrist area.I am like you,Dave,we could conjur up a real winner to tell,mebbe with a little hep from sum Georgia Moon.lolDave in th eMountains

[bgf]

Ivey #94 (Elias Albright & Son, Alamance, Co. (NC)) has what looks like almost identical triggerguard and patchbox, and (possibly) buttplate (but not filed); that rifle has a rounded cheekpiece, but there is a bit of resemblance in the long, thin comb and the somewhat strongly defined wrist.  So, I wouldn't rule out southern origin for the relic (I have some speculations, but that is all they are), esp. since it was found in Texas.  I agree that the hardware was probably widely available.

[Dan Herda]

Mountainman70, I have the twin to that and acquired it here in Fort Worth about 3 yrs ago. I am at work but will post pictures of mine as soon as I can. Mine has stock and barrel  but the hammer and barrel key or pin?, you'll see ( zip tie ! ). Also has a period sheet metal wrist repair tacked on. mine does not have the star or the patchbox door,it is however the same patchbox. I did some research, and off the top of my head I was guessing it was sold at a hardwhear store in Houston possibly and made by an outfit in Pitsburg that made and marked the lock. The wording is very worn and I can make out  itsburg if I remember right. The barrel on mine is heavy and I think tapered and only .38 cal and coned. Inch plus at the breach.  I sent you a pm. more to come after work. I have some links to share pertaining to guns made and sold in Texas.

Dan Herda

[gibster]

There is a rifle for sale on Gunbroker with what appears to be the same box and trigger guard as this one has.  The rifle is not mine and I have no connection with it.  Just thought that some may find it interesting to see what the rifle may have looked like in one piece.  No idea if it was made by the same gunsmith or not, but who knows.  here is the link: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=318736386  You may have to cut and paste to your browser.

[Dan Herda]

Here is a link to some good information

infhttp://www.texasguntrade.com/texassportingrifles.htm

[Dan Herda]

Another thing about this rifle  is that when I removed the barrel to look for markings (which there are none),I discovered two filled barrel dovetails and a soldered on barrel loop.

[jdm]

ridj runr,  Love the look of your rifle . It tells a story or a least lets you imagine one.   JIM