The patchbox on this Tennessee rifle falls within a school of gunmaking in northern TN in/near Sumner County, with its construction and outline. The superb Thomas Simpson rifles of Sumner County are the best known examples of this school. These patchboxes were made of heavier cast brass, with the "captured" or enclosed lid having a "hidden" hinge on the bottom side, not visible as on the more standard sheet brass boxes with their normal segmented hinges. The "wave" design along the upper and lower edges/leaves of the patchbox is typical of this school, as is release button in/on the upper leaf, and the use of curly maple for the stock when many other TN rifles used walnut.
This maker's work is seldom seen, at least to me, and would be a good addition to this site's Library collection of early rifle pictures. It would be helpful to know the rifle's barrel length and bore size (approximately). In addition, a picture of the last six inches of the barrel with the muzzle cap would be helpful, so see if the barrel is original length, or might have been shortened slightly during its working life. Another picture of the tang at the rear of the barrel would also be helpful to document this rifle. It is an attractive and interesting Tennessee rifle, and as such, is a good candidate to put into the site's Library if the owner would be willing to give their permission. Shelby Gallien
