Pill lock percussion long rifle

[shortbarrel]

Has anybody ever seen one or have one. I am quite sure that some were made.It was a small period between the flint lock and the percussion cap. Please don't put off topic info on this post. For those who might not have seen one. it is a side hammer lock where the hammer nose is blunt and barrel  has a drum with hole in in that fits the hammer nose. The pill is put in the drum hole.       

[Mike Brooks]

Yes, I have seen them. There were also patch locks and tube locks.

[OLUT]

The most typical mule ear pill lock was patented in 1830 by Ephraim Gilbert of Rochester, NY. He sold the  right to make these locks to other NY State gunmakers . Several are illustrated in Swinney's " New York State Firearms Trade". Swinney also illustrates an original can of pill lock pellets with the note that the fulminate was rolled in bees wax to keep the pellet together and help prevent the pill from falling out of the gun's vent. The pill lock gun in my collection is a Billinghurst mule ear over under .

[Molly]

Not only "mule ear"







So we know they were made.  Apparently not for long and also an idea that never became popular.  Common thought is they came between "flint" and "cap".  I do not think this one was made as a pill lock but rather a pill conversion of a flint lock.  Too bad IMO.  A long rifle originally made as a pill lock would have some appeal.

[Frank Graves]

Here is a William Gardner half stock Pill Lock rifle of the typical and unconverted to percussion configuration. 

This one is .31 caliber with a 36-3/8" barrel.  The barrel is marked beneath "P&S Remington" which as a company specifically operated only from 1843-45 thus dating the rifle.  The stock is of deluxe walnut.  It shows the highest degree of competence in a relatively plain but still deluxe configuration.

Also shown is a W. Billinghurst tin for the pills.

[gibster]

While not a long rifle, here is a pill lock pistol in my collection that was made by J Wood in North Carolina.  He signed it on the barrel and both inside and outside of the lock plate.  I have no reason to think that this was made as anything other than a pill lock. 

[Molly]

Beautiful rifle, VERY appealing.  Ugly as sin pistol

[shortbarrel]

Thanks all for your good post. Keep them coming folks. regards Dick

[mbriggs]

This pill lock rifle was made by William Lamb in Jamestown, N.C. 

It is the only pill lock rifle I have found in this state.















































I believe this grand little rifle was made between 1830 and 1832.

Michael

[Dennis Glazener]

Nice, very unique rifle.
Dennis

[shortbarrel]

  Thanks Mike, this ALR North Carolina pill lock is just what i was looking for. does not have drum. The maker off this beautiful rifle was ahead of the times.  Built during the flint to cap lock period i hope. I live close to and am in one of the school areas.                                                                         

[Ofor]

I’m looking for some help identifying a pill lock rifle. Bore measures .342”. Spring loaded patch box.
Any information will be greatly appreciated.

[mr. no gold]

I have seen one or two made by Mills in Ohio. They were auction guns and sold for a fair amount when they went up. Seems that there were more numerous than one would think.
Dick

[Tanselman]

Ofor - there appears to be a rifle by the same maker as your beautiful pill lock rifle that's going up at auction at Amoskeag, but with a standard lock. Take a look at this rifle and perhaps it will help you figure out your rifle.   https://www.proxibid.com/Firearms-Military-Artifacts/Firearms/Pennsylvania-Percussion-Fullstock-Sporting-Rifle/lotInformation/60232033#topoflot     

Shelby Gallien

[Ofor]

Thank you, the rifle at auction looks very similar. It looks to be your the same hand.
Thanks again
Curt