C. Brockway 36 cal half stock

[bycurly]

Hello to everyone. I have a C. (Chauncey) Brockway 36 cal half stock made ~1850's in ELK CO PA. I got this gun from a collection owned by my late Uncle Tom Ball. He was known for his custom guns and for accurizing cowboy action guns. Here are a few pics. The only obvious alteration to me is a new nipple, but other additions/alterations may have taken place through the years. Any interest, comments, further knowledge of gun or maker appreciated. Thanks, Curly.


Well for some reason I can't figure out how to add the pics
Ok. Try link below.  

http://s1291.beta.photobucket.com/user/Bycurly/library/

[Lucky R A]

    You can read up on Chauncey Brockway and his gunmaking in Russell "Hop" Harriger's book Longrifles of Elk, Jefferson and Clarion Counties published by Geo. Shumway.     I am pretty sure Brockway's work is also mentioned in Ned Robert's book, The Muzzleloading caplock rifle.   The guns were generally target pieces and noted for their accuracy. Each Year the Jefferson Co. PA Historical Society holds a gun show that draws a lot of locally produced muzzleloading guns as well as a wider range of antique guns.  If you live in the area you could take your gun there for "Show and Tell."

Ron

[bycurly]

Wow. Thanks!  My uncle had a written note about the rifle stating it had been shown in a book and a few magazine articles but I've never seen them. I have family in PA. I also have a full stock rifle that built, and a half stock hawken he made in the '70s.

[Majorjoel]

I don't recall ever hearing about a Chauncey Brockway in Ned Roberts book. I know he mentions  Norman Brockway. I wonder if these guys were related?

[T*O*F]

The rear sight is on backwards.  The eyecup should face to the rear.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Dave, you're right, but I think the base is on right - its the rest that's backwards.  Otherwise, the staff would not index correctly, with the sight at 90 deg. to the bore.  Looks like a T/C tang sight to me.

[smokinbuck]

Got to agree re the rear sightbeing both backwards and looking a lot newer than the rifle. I had not heard of a Chauncey Brockway either, but he is listed, later than Norman Brockway.
Mark

[bycurly]

Yes aware of backwards site that's been remedied. Older pic. I do think it was added later. Best match I can find is the tc tang. My uncle was kind if an accuracy nut. He may have added it sometime. He owned a shop in Millville, PA.  Ball-Accuracy. The two guns I have that he built,  a half stock Hawken and a Pennsylvania long rifle are tack drivers. They are .40 and .45 cal respectively. I have killed deer with both. As of about 4 yrs ago the Brockway shot nice as well.

[bycurly]

Here's a pic of all 3 of my guns if anyone is interested.

http://s1291.beta.photobucket.com/user/Bycurly/library/My%20collection

[Dphariss]

Yes aware of backwards site that's been remedied. Older pic. I do think it was added later. Best match I can find is the tc tang. My uncle was kind if an accuracy nut. He may have added it sometime. He owned a shop in Millville, PA.  Ball-Accuracy. The two guns I have that he built,  a half stock Hawken and a Pennsylvania long rifle are tack drivers. They are .40 and .45 cal respectively. I have killed deer with both. As of about 4 yrs ago the Brockway shot nice as well.

Sight is definitely modern.
Dan