Gentlemen,
The rifle is unsigned, frankly it doesn't bear any resemblance (in my opinion) to the rifle pictured above. I have had the rifle for a while, and have studied it extensively. I had thought the rifle a restock using recycled parts. The trigger guard resembles those which Schreyer produced and the butt plate looks as though it was bent to fit the contour of the stock. There is a period repair to the bow of the guard and a hole that was patched on the heel of the butt plate where a patch box release button was possibly located, it also appears the same patch covers the point of the butt plate where a hole was worn through. There is one other period repair above the lock where the wood cracked and was fixed with 2 nails. Mark Tyler and I discussed this rifle extensively via email and we both thought it to be an early restock executed in Bedford, and converted some time after in Bedford. The rifle in its present configuration was originally flint. It is pictured in 3 publications and is a descent rifle without restoration. It certainly lived a long working life and has managed to survive intact without anyone fiddling with it. The rifle is 56 cal. smoothbore and is 60"-61" in length. Another person who frequents the forum thought that maybe it was bored out around the time of the Civil War to be compatible with military issued ammo. I am not certain of any of this but it is a possibility. Unfortunately the rifle has been given a title without any factual proof to justify the conclusion. I don't see it, but if someone else does I am interested in hearing their opinion. I think the attribution to Bedford is as sensible and honest as it can be. Again, Dr. whiskers I invite you to explain why you attributed it to Zimmerman.
Thanks
Buck
