Help me identify this gun’s maker

[AVP]

Afternoon, would anyone know who made this rifle? It is .50, straight octagon barrel, ash-stocked, schimmel(?) type rifle with what looks like a horn piece inlet on the comb. No butt plate. it has a weeping heart on the trigger guard. The ONLY marks on this rifle that I have to share are on the inside of the lock which says Cochran 1984.

I think it was professionally made as the inletting is some of the tightest I have seen. I have lovingly used and cared for this rifle for decades. I have had multiple people handle and check out the rifle over the years and received 3 different claims as to who made it: Parker/Preston (i cant remember which and could not find anything online); Frank Cochran; and Charlie(?) Blevins.

I really would love to have a clear identification of this - perhaps someone here will recognize their own handiwork! - and an idea of a fair price. I will be putting it up for sale. Please PM with any suggestions of value. Many thanks!

[Mike Brooks]

Any one of several hundred makers could have built that.  Muzzleloading was much more popular in the 80's than now, no comparison.