Author Topic: Who made it?  (Read 3406 times)

downrange

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Who made it?
« on: March 11, 2009, 10:27:26 PM »
I recently acquired a rifle and am trying to identify its maker. The information available is sketchy, but here goes. The rifle was bought used, but apparently unfired  in a Houston, Tx gun shop. The shop could not furnish any information on its background. It is flintlock, of aproximately 45 cal. The markings are as follows: Script hand engraved on the top barrel flat & lock plate exterior G.H., stamped on the lock interior RH 5103, on the interior of the single set trigger W.C.IN, on an  inlay at the top of the wrist script JGL 1988, on a star inlay on the cheek piece script G, at the rear of the triger guard a stamped 7. I have not removed the barrel from the stock as the wedges are very tight & the inleting at the breach delicate. The fancy tiger striped curly maple stock is profusely relief carved, with "squigily" silver wire inlays which match the secondary figure of the wood. All furniture is brass except the lightly engraved  patch box which is german silver & hinged along its bottom edge like the model 1814 U.S. rifle. All workmanship is of high quality. Any ideas are welcome, thanks.

Offline Jim Chambers

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Re: Who made it?
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2009, 02:22:24 AM »
The "RH" and the number inside the lock indicates that it is a Siler lock that was assembled by Richard "Dick" Herring.  By the time I took over the Siler company Dick had assembled 7,000 Siler locks.  Dick is no longer with us.  The "WC" inside the set trigger is for Walter Cain who is still making triggers and assembling Siler locks.
Maybe someone else can give info on the barrel initials, etc.

downrange

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Re: Who made it?
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2009, 04:43:08 PM »
Thanks for your reply, Jim all info is greatly appreciated.