Author Topic: David Morton rifle finished (Read 3175 times)

Jim McQuaide · « **on:** March 04, 2022, 10:03:48 PM »

The final coat of varnish was dry this morning, so I gave it one last rubbing with rottenstone and decided to call this one done! It's a David Morton western pa rifle, a close(ish) copy of one illustrated in Longrifles of Western PA by Rosenberger. Hard maple blank from Dunlap, 50 cal 44" Rice bbl, Chambers Late Ketland, mounts by Reaves Goehring. Everything else hand made, including patchbox, trigger and plate, sights, thimbles, keys, etc. Stained with an amber tint dye, followed by LMF honey maple, then LMF Lancaster maple thinned 50%. About 6 coats of Chambers Traditional Oil to finish. Still a bit too glossy for my taste, may give it another rottenstone treatment.
Apologies for the quick phone photos in my messy shop - proper photos will have to wait for better weather!

J. Talbert · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2022, 10:24:43 PM »

Very nice work on an ambitious project to say the least.
Always thought that’s one of the most striking patchbox designs out there.
Love the way the engraving is married to the design of the box.

Nicely done,
Jeff

Daryl · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2022, 10:57:51 PM »

Oh YEAH! - That's nice!

Mike Brooks · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2022, 11:58:22 PM »

That is very nice work.

D. Taylor Sapergia · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2022, 12:05:04 AM »

Congratulations on a very fine rifle. I love the style of these Western PA rifles. Makers there hung on to the essence of the golden age longrifle long after their eastern counterparts abandoned it in favour of lots of silver inlays, parallel barrels, and no decorative carving.

Osprey · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2022, 12:43:31 AM »

Oh my, that's very nice.

Jim McQuaide · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2022, 01:28:46 AM »

Thanks for the comments guys! This is my 16th gun, I think - I’ve sold #5 to #15 (took me 4 guns to figure out what I was doing lol), but I think I’ll keep this one for awhile. I agree about the style of these westmoreland and Allegheny county guns-there’s just something about them that appeals to me. I’ve made three others, all Pittsburgh rifles in the style of T.Allison, but I think Morton was the best of the western pa gunsmiths. Time to take a break from this style, though - two early guns, a Peter Resor and an early Reading are up next.

smart dog · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2022, 01:30:36 AM »

Hi Jim,
That is a great rifle. If I ever make a Western PA rifle, David Morton will be my inspiration for sure.

dave

Bob Gerard · « **Reply #8 on:** March 05, 2022, 01:42:22 AM »

Straight-up gun porn!!!

Lucky R A · « **Reply #9 on:** March 05, 2022, 01:58:17 AM »

It is nice to see someone really appreciating the work of the Western PA makers. Morton was certainly up there with Allison, McCosh, Fleeger and the like. The carving and especially the engraving is outstanding on these guns. You have done well in your interpretation of this later piece of Morton's work.
It is extremely hard to find the correct hardware for these guns, especially the buttplate. Reaves' were the best. I have handled the original that you copied, the original color is a bit more brown, but it was handled and aged a bit more than your nice work. Keep it up.

Ron

MuskratMike · « **Reply #10 on:** March 05, 2022, 02:03:02 AM »

Oh be still my beating heart. What a fine piece you have created. Thank you for posting it!

ed lundquist · « **Reply #11 on:** March 05, 2022, 02:17:26 AM »

Brilliant job!

Algae · « **Reply #12 on:** March 05, 2022, 02:29:54 AM »

An absolute keeper, very nice!!

Al J.

Bob Roller · « **Reply #13 on:** March 05, 2022, 03:45:19 PM »

This one would look good in ANY light or even no light at all.Outstanding rifle by any standards.
Bob Roller

t.caster · « **Reply #14 on:** March 05, 2022, 05:03:57 PM »

Fine job, especially on that difficult patchbox!

Joey R · « **Reply #15 on:** March 05, 2022, 06:49:49 PM »

Yep,this one’s a real peach!

Big Bubba · « **Reply #16 on:** March 05, 2022, 07:00:24 PM »

Beautiful rifle.

oldtravler61 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 05, 2022, 07:04:15 PM »

Excellent craftsmanship !!!!
Very impressive.. Oldtravler

Robby · « **Reply #18 on:** March 05, 2022, 10:33:01 PM »

I have a book, "The Longrifles of Western Pennsylvania, Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties", there are for or five rifles by David Morton pictured. He made some very beautiful rifles and I think he would be proud and honored with the rifle you have made.
Robby

Jakob · « **Reply #19 on:** March 06, 2022, 06:18:19 AM »

I really like this one.

Ed Wenger · « **Reply #20 on:** March 06, 2022, 02:15:02 PM »

Very nice work, and a great looking rifle! Certainly captures the essence of a Western PA piece. Thanks for posting! Best,

Ed

Tim Crosby · « **Reply #21 on:** March 06, 2022, 02:18:53 PM »

THAT! Is a Beautiful piece of work.

Tim C.

heinz · « **Reply #22 on:** March 06, 2022, 04:01:20 PM »

Nicely done and you nailed the Western Pa style.
PS that is NOT a cluttered shop :-)

J.M.Browning · « **Reply #23 on:** March 07, 2022, 06:04:59 AM »

Very nice !

mountainman · « **Reply #24 on:** March 07, 2022, 06:18:33 PM »

Nice work there Jim!!

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Author Topic: David Morton rifle finished (Read 3175 times)

Jim McQuaide

Jim McQuaide