Need help with a copy

[Clear Spring Armory]

I am building a rifle to donate towards the restoration of the oldest still standing school house in Indiana. Weddleville School in Jackson County. There was a gunsmith working near there at the time the school was built named Billy Martin, around 1840-50. I want to build a rifle in his style to donate for raffle. I took pictures a few years ago of a Martin rifle, but I didn't pay enough attention and no longer have access to it. My question are, does anyone know what is at the end of the tang? Do you think the step down along the top of the forestock was intentional or a break? I know it is a break between the lock and middle of barrel, but it looked intentional in front (though it doesn't line up with muzzle cap) Seems like it was like that on both sides, but I can't remember. Any advise on building a late period gun with a back action lock?

[David R. Pennington]

I would guess that the wood along the fore stock missing was a break and was just cleaned up neatly to get rid of the splintered wood so the rifle would still be useable. Nail atend of tang? Looks like a little crack there in the wrist, maybe a repair? Interesting project, hope we get to see it.

[Ric27]

just seconding what David said. You have plenty of info in the photos you have to give a good representation to makers work. Commendable project.