Faux striped half stock

[far55]

I picked up this half stock recently that is missing it's barrel.  The false graining on it really caught my eye.  The angle of the hammer and the cutout in the stock I believe indicates it had a patent breech.  The barrel channel at the breech is 13/16 octagon and tapers to round at the forearm.  TOW used to carry a 13/16 patent breech, but it is not longer available.  The ramrod hole is a tight 5/16.  Any hints or suggestions on making a breech, including type of steel, would be appreciated.  Also, does anybody recognize the origin of this stock?  It is small and would make a good boys rifle or smooth bore.  I think a barrel, about 32-36 inches, would be about right.  Thanks for any help and advice you can give. Roland

I added photos of the wrist/breech and one of the trigger guard

[Daryl]

Interesting 'find". You could use this one and install a drum, shortening and reshaping the tang as needed.

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/663/1/PLUG-FH-14-5

[John Shaw]

I've seen an original Leman rifle with black painted stripping on it. The lines were straight and not wavy as on yours. It will make a nice looking rifle if you can find the right barrel and age it to fit the stock. A 32 caliber would be a good choice.

JS

[44-henry]

Just curious, was that the one that was on the rack at Dixons?

[far55]

It was, I picked it up and looked it over 3 times before I finally bought it. I do faux graining on furniture and other small items, so that is what really caught my attention. Roland

[hanshi]

Nice find.  It would make a great small game rifle even for an adult.

[JTR]

Can you show a picture of the tang area?
Thanks

[far55]

I added more photos to the original post. I have considered turning a drum out of 1" stock with a 3/16" flange just past the threaded part, then fitting the threads and removing all of the flange area except the part that would fill the 3/4" cut out of the patent breech. I would have to bend the hammer out away from the barrel. This would take some tedious fitting, but would give good bearing on top of the lock plate. Any thoughts ?

[Kevin]

Just curious, was that the one that was on the rack at Dixons?

It was, I picked it up and looked it over 3 times before I finally bought it. I do faux graining on furniture and other small items, so that is what really caught my attention. Roland

I too admired this stock while it was sitting in Dixon's shop.  I've seen some really wavey faux graining of other stuff, including some 19th century doors & door frames, but this was the first time I saw it on a stock.  Good luck with your project.

Kevin

[Daryl]

I added more photos to the original post. I have considered turning a drum out of 1" stock with a 3/16" flange just past the threaded part, then fitting the threads and removing all of the flange area except the part that would fill the 3/4" cut out of the patent breech. I would have to bend the hammer out away from the barrel. This would take some tedious fitting, but would give good bearing on top of the lock plate. Any thoughts ?

Kinda what I had thought about. Perhaps another method would be to get a 15/16" flint plug and remove the top and other side and bottom to perhaps use the enlarged left side to fill the stock cut out, depending on how 'thick' the wood is.
I think the trouble with any purchases 1" breech, would have threads too large. Of course with the normal .375" inner flash hole, perhaps the threaded portion could be reduced and re-thread. The calibre of the barrel will need to be larger than the flash-channal hole.

[far55]

You answered one of my unasked questions, Daryl. Is .375 standard for the hole in a patent breech ?   Thanks, Roland

[Daryl]

HA! - now I am thinking I made a poor guess. I just checked 3 breeches 1 threaded 1/2" x? and 2 at 5/8x18 breeches. The 1/2", looks like a replacement TC Seneca breech was .388", and the two 5/8x18 threaded breeches, one an English breech and the other a Hawken breech, were both about 5/16"- something just around .313".
So - perhaps nothing is standard, but it is an important # to know.