Beck 090318-1 Restoration

[nord]

This particular rifle was promoted to the ALR Library in March of 2009. Restoration was done this year and is documented by the following photos. The Library Committee will vet the restoration in an effort to determine whether or exactly how we should present the subject.

This is a case where I believe it might be a worthy idea to present the subject for general comments. Please feel free to present us with your input and accept both Fred's and my deepest appreciation for participating in our Museum and Library project.
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Restorers Comments:

The Most interesting to me is the INRI inscription on the breech...Please note this is most likely an 1800 to 1810 made ( Near the end of his life) gun so look at the amount of "Stars" between the letters. This one has 3-3-3   I really think there was some cryptic code going on here possible to date the year the rifle was made or the # of rifles made... Older guns of Beck's have less "stars" We really need someone to check into this ( as long as it's not L. Kaufka....Ha! Ha!)  There are some before & afters of the restoration / conservation work also.  In the near future I will be converting this back to original flintlock condition. As for now all of the cracking & damage has been fully stabilized with museum quality conservation work and the "hack"  horse glue repairs done in the past replaced with quality conservation / restoration work.  I can tell you that one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had was when I removed the barrel from the stock and glanced at that bottom breech inscription...That took my breath away!........ to have that opportunity to have seen this history live in my workshop!

Pertinent Data:

This barrel was most definitely Tapered ( Only)

Additional Barrel Specs
Numbers are based on "from The Breech"

Breech .956"
12" down From Breech    .915"
24" down from Breech    .910"
36" down from Breech    .910"
Muzzle                           .898"

Overall length of barrel    43.125"

The rear sight is 13.75" from breech
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Original photos as submitted in 2009:



























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Restoration & Comparison Photos 2012:

[mountainman70]

Great looking work.I believe that inscription would take my breath,also.Some of these experiences are meant to be,brother.An old ,now departed friend told me many moon ago-"we are not owners of these antiquities,merely caretakers,our job til the next worthy one comes along".Best regards,and again,an awsome resto.Dave

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Very important and well done restoration. A joy to see a Beck rifle in this condition. Personally, I will like it even better when the flintlock is restored....

[smylee grouch]

Looks very nice as most if not all Becks do. I did notice that the hole for the barrel pins were not sloted. Is this common on original work or was it something Beck did comonly?

[Jim Filipski]

Hello Folks:
Really would like to hear comments on this Beck Breech. I found it quite unique from the others I have seen.
Hope my time with Kit R. served this piece well. A fantastic guy with so much knowledge to pass on about restoration / conservation: just hope I learned enough with my time spent with him.
Jim

[Don Getz]

Jim.........can I assume that you did the restoration?    If you did.........excellent job.   Those barrel dimensions are quite
appropriate, even tho I would think it would be slightly swamped.   In looking at Beck rifles, I have noted that most have
a barrel that is one inch or smaller at the breech, even tho a Beck rifle appears to be a rather big gun.  This really is a
great gun, love  it.   Off the subject of this gun, I saw a beautiful Beck pistol done by Mark Wheland today, he just finished
it.......great.  It wll be at the Lewisburg show, which, by the way is comiing up on Feb. 1 & 2............Don

[WElliott]

I love the restorer's sensitivity when, removing the barrel from the stock, he first saw Beck's INRI inscription.  Yes, indeed, that should take our breaths away. 

[Robby]

That is a beautiful gun in any era. It looks like a real hands on, good to hold, shooter!! I'm not versed on the do's and dont's of restoration, so I really enjoyed the before and after photo's, it gives a little insight into what is allowable and how it is done, thanks!!!
Robby

[Majorjoel]

Jim, you did a fine job putting this classic rifle back in top form! This one now is as it should be......as it deserves to be!  

[Steve Collward]

  I had the privilege of seeing this rifle prior to and upon completion of the restoration project. A wonderful example of Beck's work.  With little doubt, this gun saw a fair amount of use after being converted to percussion, but overall, was still well cared for.
  The finished product shows that Jim knew how far to go in restoring and the damaged areas when to stop.   I would like to think that Mr. Beck himself would approve.

[Shreckmeister]

Delicately fine restoration work to a very deserving piece Jim.  Kudos!

[Buck]

Beautiful rifle, good job. In reviewing the INRI, the script appears to be Beyers hand especially the N.
Buck

[PPatch]

A fine rifle indeed, the restoration handled with a conservitors feel and eye. My hat is doffed to the well done photo documentation. I see much to learn from this rifle.

dp

[TMerkley]

Amazing work!!!!!

Just out of curiosity,  is it possible to get a pattern of that rifle?  If not, where could I find one that is close to that?  It is a beautiful piece of work!

Tom

[Karl Kunkel]

Thank you so much for posting the photos of the INRI script engraving. I've always wanted to see how it was accomplished and located.