You have an interesting, and perhaps unique, rifle. The iron breech/receiver seems well made, so I am surprised the maker didn't mark it in some manner. The long, adjustable rear sight may possibly hide a maker's mark somewhere underneath. It's shape at first glance almost looks like a New England underhammer gun, but this is obviously not an underhammer, and the curly maple butt stock suggests it was made farther west where Kentucky style rifles were made. In the mid-nineteenth century a great number of firearms advancements and patents were taking place, and many individual gunsmiths "tried their hand" at coming up with a new or better style rifle. Many were not patented, but gave the local gunsmith bragging rights about how advanced or "improved' his products were compared to his neighboring gunsmith's. This may well be a one-off effort by an accomplished gunsmith, probably drawing on other advancements he had seen or read about, and perhaps putting his own twist on it as well. Without a maker's mark, it's hard to date or locate accurately.
I think the small brass compartment under the cheek on the backside suggests it may be from West Virginia, where most rifles with second compartments under the cheek and opposite the patchbox were made. The patchbox is also a great addition for this type "advanced" muzzle loading rifle. Its separated strip-type side leaves suggest a mid-century date, at least to my eye. Very neat rifle you are lucky to own. Shelby Gallien
