The stock architecture is very similar to Kentucky-made rifles, and the guard/butt plate/triggers are all a style that was sold in Louisville during the percussion era 1840-1860. Note the "square shoulder" on the rear spur of the guard, that runs straight up to the rear extension rather than curving up to meet it...and also the front trigger with the little "moon" curve behind it. Butt architecture is also strongly Kentucky in outline. But the cast nose cap is something I have not seen on northern Kentucky guns. Without the odd pewter nose cap, I'd think it was a Kentucky gun, but with the nose cap it becomes questionable. Most Kentucky guns also have slightly tighter side facings, particularly around the lock plate, without as much wood left in front of the lock's nose, and tail [although this one has a flat tail making side facing look longer to rear]. Some Ohio guns tended toward the longer side facings, more so than in Kentucky. So perhaps it's a southern Ohio gun, probably made near the Ohio River as the lock suggests, and close enough to Kentucky to be influenced by that State's gunmaking styles. Shelby Gallien
