English Sporting rifle - Joseph Lang

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Several years ago, I photographed this rifle and now it has become available to me, so I am frantically getting my finances in order.
The rifle is by Joseph Lang and dates circa 1848.  It is in 14 gauge (.69 cal.) and as you can see is in immaculate condition.  Enjoy the look-see!

































images up

[smart dog]

That is a beauty, Taylor.  Lang was a very great maker whose business survived a long time.  The engraving suggests to me that the owner had some connection to India.  Do you think the thumb plate is screwed in place to be removeable for a peep sight? Also, the end of the ramrod is a knob for the hand and the other end is the ramming end?

dave

[WadePatton]

Splendid, thanks for pics.  Best of luck with the acquisition.

[Buck]

Very nice.

Buck

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I agree Dave (SD).  The butt plate has a lion; the trigger guard, a tiger; the breech plug a wart hog; and the lock plate a stag of some kind.  I have had no opportunity to check for a tang sight support under the wrist escutcheon, but that is a possibility.  Those two screws seem overkill to attach a simple escutcheon plate.
I used the new posting feature, and it was indeed easy to use.  But am I able to access those images outside of the ALR thread?

[WaterFowl]

Time to get a paper route!!! and a couple grass cutting jobs...LOL!


Nice find Taylor--Buy your self a "past shooting vest" and fire at will.

I can vision moose falling to that cannon!..Well done!..Happy Dance!!!!!


Note...is that a sear lock safety???  the round bead on lock plate...?

[Bob Roller]

That is a beauty, Taylor.  Lang was a very great maker whose business survived a long time.  The engraving suggests to me that the owner had some connection to India.  Do you think the thumb plate is screwed in place to be removeable for a peep sight? Also, the end of the ramrod is a knob for the hand and the other end is the ramming end?

dave

Once again,my favorite style of muzzle loader comes to light.I once owned
a Grant&Lang double rifle in 500x3"BPE. I see this lock has a sliding safety
the probably engages the tumbler or maybe the hammer. Can the lock be removed
and pictures posted of the internals?

Bob Roller

[Bob Roller]

Is that little screw behind the trigger an indication of a single set trigger??

Bob Roller

[Joe S.]

Shes a beauty Taylor,I'm glad she's going to fine home

[Dennis Glazener]

Nice looking rifle, very nice! Its a shame it has to be one of those newfangled ignition systems that will never catch on
Dennis

[heelerau]

Taylor, that is a lovely rifle, I would swap my best horse for that one !! Wish my old Hollis rifle was in as good condition.  They are a very pleasant rifle to use, I am finding the recoil my generates with eh 3 dram charge very pleasant !!  Will look forward to a range report when you get it .


Cheers

Gordon

[snapper]

Really nice, thanks for posting pictures.  I think it would look really good at my place in Iowa.

If you get it bought, send it along to me and I will work up a load for you.  Please send a mold with it.

If for some reason you are not able to buy it, let me know please.


Fleener

[Dphariss]

Thanks for the photos. They seemed to have used well aged wood....

Love these things. The British really were the best. But then they had customers with money....
Different culture than the "colonies".
Dan

[JBJ]

Oh my goodness! Taylor, if you pull this off, dimensions would be much appreciated. Details of both ends of the ramrod would also be of interest. Absolutely a stunning piece of work - such functionality combined with art! Thanks.
J.B.

[Dennis Glazener]

I agree Dave (SD).  The butt plate has a lion; the trigger guard, a tiger; the breech plug a wart hog; and the lock plate a stag of some kind.  I have had no opportunity to check for a tang sight support under the wrist escutcheon, but that is a possibility.  Those two screws seem overkill to attach a simple escutcheon plate.
I used the new posting feature, and it was indeed easy to use.  But am it able to access those images outside of the ALR thread?

Taylor if you do a Modify on your post you can copy the URL's and have access to the photos that you uploaded to imbbb.com
Dennis

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I've just discovered a new and wonderful feature of this new posting system.  You can click on the image twice to enlarge it to your full screen width.  Fabulous detail!!

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Thanks Dennis:  I already have these pictures in my own files.  But these images are not stored in a site like photobucket, are they?

[smylee grouch]

Wow, that is a beauty. How many groves are cut in the barrel?

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Looks like ten!

[smylee grouch]

I was going to say nine or ten. I wonder if those old master gunmakers in England made their own barrels or did some of them source that job out to some one else?

[smart dog]

Hi,
There were barrel makers.  For example, the Fullerd family was famous for barrels and used by many of the best makers.

dave   

[westbj2]

Taylor,
The date is a bit late but it is possible that the rifle fits a unique category of use popular in England roughly between 1830 and 40.  Driven deer shot from a "peg" much like driven pheasants.  The little roe deer were driven by beaters to the shooters located at a small opening in a large acreage enclosure.  Shooting therefore was at close range at deer running full open.   Had a 12 bore Purdey at one time made for this shooting.  It was deadly at 30 to 40 yds with a .720 ball and 40 grains of powder.  With 'normal' loads in the 70-90 grain range it was very lacking in accuracy.
A superb rifle in condition we all dream about. Congrats.
Jim

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I put money down to secure the sale today!

Jim:  the fellow I'm buying it from gave me the dates 1848 - 52, according to the style of signature, and the fact that Lang did not keep serial numbers before 1852.  As far as close range shooting goes, the rifle has a standing rear sight and two leaves which indicate 150 and 200 yards...we'll see.

[snapper]

Good for you!  look forward to the range report and more pictures.

Fleener

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

....film at 11!