This rifle is based on a Salem/Davidson School, NC piece. The inspiration for the rifle came from #123 in William Ivey's wonderful book, "North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865". The original rifle was unsigned, with Peter Christ given as the possible maker. I would suspect that the Vogler family influenced the builder, whom ever he was, but that's purely speculation on my part. Some things were added, such as the "Dragon Tail" finials behind the lock & side plate panels. I also shamefully copied from Jim Kibler the "Man on the Moon" cheek inly, done in sterling silver. Also added was the beehive wrist inlay.
The barrel is a Rice "Southern Classic" profile in .50 cal. The lock is a Chambers late Ketland, and the triggers are Davis. The butt piece is from Reeves and the trigger guard is from Dru Hedgecock. The silver oval estuchens and draws were something added as well, #123 utilized pins. The barrel and lock were cold blued, then rubbed back with scotchbrite pads. The stock was stained with my home brewed aqua fortis, finished with several coats of Permalyn sealer, then scrubbed with an old tooth brush utilizing paraffin oil and #4 pumice stone. The brass box was a fairly close copy of #123, and the last photo shows how the release operates. If anyone has any questions, please ask, and comments welcomed. Some of the photos are better than others.... Thanks!
Ed
