John: I’m not sure,but I have learned to,rarely say never.I spent my whole life associated with these Carper rifles. I kept the shop and had it in Raleigh county until I was called into ministry in Alaska. I’ve owned about ten of the old rifles from Joe,Joe Jr, and Sam. But what I have never seen is an early rifle. Some of the characteristics are very similar. The cheek piece is spot on, the trigger guard resembles theirs as they cast them. The signature is not like any I have seen. They etched their name in cursive. I’d put that rifle 1850ish and most of the Carper rifles you see around are quite a bit later. If it didn’t have that initial on the barrel I’d think it was a Joe Carper either made in Botetourt or Cashmere . BTW I actually met you at a shooting match in Hinton some years back. Seems like you had a beautiful Harn rifle that day. I have enjoyed your posts and they have actually made me quite homesick when you show locales around the hills. When Dr.Paton called me I was overseeing our cattle herd which stay under constant predation here from brown bears and didn’t have my computer so I anixioulsy awaited getting to see your post. Great rifle btw. Johnny Walker
