Hello everyone, im new to this forum and still figuring out how to navigate it, so i would like to apologize if I am posting this on the wrong board.However, I have recently purchased a percussion rifle that I was hoping to become more educated on.
The action has pheasents and foliage engraved on it, as well as "G. Goulcher" circled by laurel leaves. The barrel is 42 inches long, octagonal, possibly 36-38 calibre, and is stamped US about 3 inches behind the rear sight. The stock is what i beleive is called a "half stock" with a brass buttplate and an aluminum plate capping off the forend just ahead of the rear sight. The stock is also stamped " US just in front of the trigger. The trigger is a two trigger set up, the rear trigger appearing more like a trigger on a modern rifle, while the front trigger is much more straight and thin with a small sphere at the end. The action as a whole appears to still be in working order.
As far as physical defects, i would say that the overall condition of the rifle is good/fair. It retains its ramrod, however there is a small crack in the rod towards the muzzle of the gun causing it to bend slightly. The brass buttplate is still solidly in place, however a seem has developed between its edges and the wood. The man i bought it from seems to also think that at some point someone may have clearcoated the action plate to make it appear more shiny, however I cannot tell if this is accurate.
One of my concerns is tampering with this rifle. A friend who does gunsmithing has told me that he could mend the crack on the rod, and i have also considered addressing the buttplate and action plate, however i also want to be mindful that this is a historic peice and i do not want to devalue this rifle. So recomendations on what to do/what not to do are appreciated.
Otherwise, i would love to know the history, value, and origins of this rifle. I will try to post some pictures of it to assist everyone, just let me know if there are any other views/ angles that you need, Thank you all!
