"Free Born" RCA #114 bibliography

[Habu]

I'm trying to compile a bibliography of all written or photographic references to the "Free Born"/RCA #114 rifle, and would appreciate knowing of any publications mentioning this rifle, discussions of restorations, sources of photos, measurements, etc. 

I'm contemplating building a similar rifle, or even a copy.  In order to speculate in an informed manner about what it might have looked like originally, I'm trying to get an idea of the changes and restorations made over the years. 

One of my more "colorful" ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War; he had the same biblical reference carved on his tombstone.  This seemed a bit unusual to me, but I've recently heard the same thing is carved on a powder horn believed to have belonged to him.  Something "clicked" when I heard that, and I remembered the rifle.  I've no reason to think he ever owned it, but wonder if he might have seen it or known the owner or maker, or if perhaps this verse was something discussed at the time. 

Thanks!

[RobertS]

I think it was featured in one of the Dixie Gunworks Annuals of a few years back.  If you don't already have it or have access to it, I'll see if I can find mine. 

[J.D.]

I'm sure that you already know that the American Historic Services page has a color pictorial of the Free born rifle, with some information.

http://www.americanhistoricservices.com/html/free_born.html

I seem to remember a discussion on this magnificent piece, on the old board. You may find something in the archives.

[Habu]

Robert, I'd not heard of the coverage in one of Dixie's Annuals.  If you can locate it and let me know the issue, I will start the search to locate a copy.  Thanks!

The references I've located so far are RCA, the post on American Historic Services, and what has been mentioned here mention here and in the archives.  But I didn't find the AHS site until recently, so I suspect there is more information out there if I can find it!  Thanks for the tip J. D.!

[G-Man]

The owner of the rifle has been gracious enough to display it at several shows recently, including CLA events.  So the opportunity may be there if you want to get a first hand look at it - pictures are good but I always find that when you see a gun in person you see a lot more - they always look a bit different from what you think they will look like if you see them in photos first.

Guy 

[alex e.]

The  Gentleman that owns the "Freeborn" gun is a member of this forum.If he makes himself known,I think its in his good nature that he might share info regarding it.He has been kind enough to share information of other firearms with me.

Alex E.

[Don Getz]

I had the opportunity to hold it and try to absorb it, I think it was the 2007 CLA show.....a great gun.  I think son John
has all the barrel measurements..............Don

[tg]

He is a very knowledgable fellow and has shared much with myself and others but he may take offense at being called a gentleman..VBG

[Telgan]

I believe John Getz told me that a fellow named Ned Hipp did the most recent restoration. I also had an oportunity to hold it and have a good look at it during the 2007 CLA show. There are many of us who are anamoured with this piece.

[alex e.]

tg,when in polite company................

Alex..

[Habu]

My thanks to everyone for their information and suggestions! 

At this point I'm basically pursuing this like any research project.  The rifle is one avenue, but I'm also looking at various translations of the Bible, period commentary on the verses, political commentary and political societies, etc.  It makes for some interesting reading.

[54ball]

 I am enamored by the Free Born rifle.  No other longrifle or firearm for that matter has impressed me like RCA114.  Its an enigma in a sense, as mysterious as it is simple.  It's inscription " But, I was freeborn" speaks as loudly today as when it was inscribed.  Just when was was inscribed is not known.  Is it Revolutionary era, most say it is.  Your ancestor's Tomb stone can easily be seen as further proof of the Revolutionary era.
 The thing that really makes me think,  Is it Patriot? It Could just as likely be Tory! It could have been Indian owned. Many were Christians.  If you really stretch it could be Confederate or freedman.
 It is indeed a true piece of America.
 I had planned to copy it but I have decided to build a simpler rifle first.  The great thing about the Freeborn is close copies of almost all the furniture are available.  The lock is very close to a Chambers early Ketland and with some file work and engraving it would be a dead ringer for the I Daykin lock.  The Domed Chambers patch box is very close to Freeborn's box.  Even the carving looks different, simple and well just enough.
  What more can you ask for in a longrifle project ?  It oozes mystery, its a little different and it's statement is as loud today as it was 230 years ago.  For that matter 2000 years ago.   

[Habu]

FWIW (probably not much), the ancestor-in-question showed up out of no where in Georgia sometime in the 1760s.  He was a farmer, and member of the Anglican church.  He was burnt out in 1779, presumably by Loyalists as he joined the Continental Army.  At some point he was captured, and ended the war on a prison ship in New York.  From there he went north, and eventually west.

From various family stories I suspect he had been a tradesman (probably some type of woodworker) who was pressed into naval service, then jumped ship in or around GA.   After the war he returned to farming, for the most part.  Family rumor says he may have been a scalp hunter at some point. 

I'm inclined to wonder if the inscription may have originated before the war, perhaps in connection with some of the changes going on in theology.  Not enough information yet to do more than wonder . . .

[smallpatch]

Mike Brooks made a rifle (I believe) based on this rifle a few years ago.  I think he called it the "Pope Hat Rifle".

Maybe there are some photos still on his website??