Congratulations on your grades, and your first flintlock rifle. You will ALWAYS remember your first flintlock.
I was about to turn 18, when my Douglas-barreled, .45 caliber, brass-mounted, Lancaster-style longrifle with real nice curly maple, and an engraved patchbox; showed up in the mail from Golden Age Arms Company. I had watched the TV shows, and read the books, and decided to buy a flintlock longrifle. I worked for 9 months, at minimum wage (1971), to pay the $325.00 for it. NO ONE in my family supported my choice. They thought I was crazy to spend so much for an OLD TIMEY gun, when the same amount of money would have purchased a nice, modern, deer rifle with a scope.
Having a father that supports what you want to do, and is willing to build his son such a nice rifle as yours is, makes your rifle even more special than mine was.
And, I thought my rifle was pretty darn special!!!
Good shooting, and keep up your grades.
Be sure to thank your dad A LOT!!!!!
R.J.Bruce