Martin Smith Rifle

[Steve Collward]

  Attached are some photos of a Martin Smith rifle I am posting for a friend with his permission. This rifle is about 54" long with a 39" barrel, approximately .45 cal. As can be seen, it is stocked in cherry. I am told this was reconverted back to flint about 25 years ago.
  American Society of Arms Collectors bulletin #44 has an article by F. Allen Thompson citing some of Smith's background. In Charles Hanson’s book “The Northwest Gun”, he cites that Smith had a contract with the American Fur Co. during the period of 1831-’36.
  Any further information or thoughts on Smith and the approximate time period of this rifle would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[rich pierce]

Looks like it has all the hallmark New England rifle characteristics. Very nice.

[Tanselman]

Very nice, typical New England rifle of good quality with horsehead box, scrolled wire inlay work, engraved patterns, single trigger, etc. Often these rifles have a small tab, or protrusion coming off the end of the guard's front extension, but can't see that part in any photos. Smith began working in Greenfield, Massachusetts  about 1817 or 1818, and I'd date this rifle as one of his earlier guns in early 1820s. The lock plate with pointed tail looks a little earlier to me, 1810 to 1815-ish. Gun appears to have been made as a flint, but just wondering if lock might have been changed when restored???  Shelby Gallien

[mr. no gold]

Beautiful NE rifle and it possesses all of the things that one can expect to see on a good gun from that region. I do not recall having seen a Smith rifle before, but this gun shows that he was a master of his craft. If the rifle were up on my wall, I would look into have the external lock parts replaced with the appropriate English style which would match the lock better. The cock especially has a German appearance and does not have engraving as an English cock would. Ditto the frizzen. In any event, you have a fine rifle and we thank you for displaying it here for our admiration.
Dick

[Steve Collward]

  Thanks for the comments thus far as they are quite helpful.   Attached are a few more photos.  One shows the tab at the front of the trigger guard Shelby mentions.  As can be seen, there is a stock crack/repair on the sides of trigger guard. Uncertain when this was done, but it is secure. I've also added photos of the lock and lock mortise. I have no specific information regarding the lock re-conversion other than it was done about 25 years ago.

[Avlrc]

Here is a Martin Smith fowler I once  owned.   At one time I had a lot of info I searched on him.  But can't find it now.  Nice Rifle your friend has.

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=14684.0

[Steve Collward]

Avirc.
  Thanks for the link to the Smith fowler. Nice looking gun that fortunately survived quite well over the years.
Like Silas Allen, Smith certainly liked to inlay silver wire around the tang area on his guns.

[smokinbuck]

Steve,
Very nice rifle. Interesting how the wood above the rear of the lock is in different condition than the rest of the rifle, perhaps a lock change at some time? The lock plate on the Smith Fowler looks more like it would fit given the round tail.
Mark

[WESTbury]

Steve---Your rifle has a great look to it. The horse head patch boxes are always attractive and the silver wire inlays are very nice. If you have not already done so, check out the New England exhibits in the forum's Bruce Miller Library for some ideas for lock components.

Appreciate you posting the pictures of you fine looking NE Rifle.

[Steve Collward]

Westbury,
   Thanks to you and the others for your comments. I too really like the patchbox and overall, the cherry stock has held up very well over the years. Has nice lines and very well made. Not sure if you noticed but there is a little bird engraved on the left side rear escutcheon just under the lock bolt.
  The current owner has had it for about 25 years. He told me that he acquired it from an older gentleman that regularly shot it, and said it shot quite well.

[rich pierce]

Here is a Martin Smith fowler I once  owned.   At one time I had a lot of info I searched on him.  But can't find it now.  Nice Rifle your friend has.

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=14684.0

Beauty! Do you think the date is right? It has somewhat of an earlier feel to it, to me.

[Tim Crosby]

 An adjustable rear sight, does that fit the time frame?

    Tim C.

[Avlrc]

Here is a Martin Smith fowler I once  owned.   At one time I had a lot of info I searched on him.  But can't find it now.  Nice Rifle your friend has.

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=14684.0

Beauty! Do you think the date is right? It has somewhat of an earlier feel to it, to me.

I always thought it was.  But it could of been added later.