Isaac Berlin Smooth Rifle

[TommyG]

Here’s my contemporary Isaac Berlin I entered in the show at Kempton this past weekend.
I used RCA 83 and the Harrison drawing as guides for the build, adding some changes, particularly with the barrel (the original is a beast with a 1 5/16” breach) and the tang carving.
Here’s what I used:
Rice 42” .62 cal PA Fowler barrel
Kibler Colonial lock – I shaped the tail a bit for a “pinched” look, filed a bead on the cock, engraved the lockplate
TOW Early buttplate, MBS early TG – modified for the build.
Trigger & plate, pipes, nosecap, side & toe plate, patchbox/hardware & sights made by myself
Awesome piece of stock wood from Tom Fornicola
Finish was Ferric Nitrate w/ Waterlox & Chambers oil for topcoats
Barrel finish is Wayne Estes (Stoner Creek) recipe – Thanks Wayne
Thanks for looking

[Stoner creek]

What a wonderful piece! Congratulations!!
Now, get out there and wow us again!!!

[wattlebuster]

You got skills my friend. I like it

[smart dog]

Hi Tom,
Awesome!!  That gun deserves every accolade it gets.

dave

[Pennsylvania Dutchman]

Absolutely Beautiful!

[JTR]

Wow! Very nicely done!
John

[smylee grouch]

Yes, nice crisp clean work. 

[Mike Brooks]

Past nifty. I'd say outstanding!

[Bonnie54]

Fantastic submission my Brother. Congratulations! Thank you s
o much for your help this weekend. Couldn't have done it without you

[Bonnie54]

Absolutely fantastic Brother. Great spending time with you this weekend and thank you for all of your hard work this weekend.

[Ed Wenger]

Great looking rifle, Tom.  Nicely executed carving and engraving, well done!!  Best,

      Ed

[rich pierce]

Mighty fine work. Super clean.

[smallpatch]

Wayne,
That is an outstanding piece!
Hope you won it all at Dixon’s!

[Fly Navy]

What a beautiful rifle, well done.

[Lucky R A]

         That is an outstanding piece of work!   I know the amount of time you must have spent cleaning the bacground so very well.  How did the judges like it?   
Ron

[smart dog]

Hi Ron,
Tommy won first place, best in class, contemporary work, master's category.  He also won blue ribbons for his carving and patch box.  In my opinion, his rifle should have won best in show.

dave

[Keith Zimmerman]

Beautiful gun.  Im partial to darker color, but that is oustanding.  Congrats!!

[TommyG]

Thanks guys for all the kind words.  It's humbling, and means a lot coming from this talented and knowledgeable group.

Dave, Your guns are spectacular and deserving of every award that you achieved.  Just to have my work winning awards in the same division with yours is surreal. Yourself and a few others on this forum set the bar for the rest of us.

Ron, Thanks for the compliment, the judges gave me a "great job" note and a great score for the carving. I have to be honest, in building this piece, or any for that matter, I use my usual references and research, but also look to builds completed by reputable contemporary builders as well. Ron, you are one of those that I used for reference, along with Allen Martin and Tim Williams.  All superb renditions of this classic piece.

[t.caster]

What they all said! That is one BEAUTIFUL smoothy!

[P.Bigham]

Awesome

[Tom Currie]

Tommy, Your rifle is beautifully done. Congrats on your recognition at the Fair.

[bama]

That is a great rifle, I'd say you did very well and shows the mark of a master craftsman. Thanks for sharing.

[BOB HILL]

 Congratulations. Outstanding  work for sure. Thanks for sharing the photos with us.
Bob

[Preacher Dave]

What an amazing smooth rifle, outstanding! Thanks for posting the pics. It is inspiring to me to see pieces that have been made to such high standards.

[RVAH-7]

I'm not a builder. I just enjoy this forum as a way to learn so much and enjoy viewing beautiful craftsmanship. I've been lurking for a few years now and this rifle "takes the cake". That rifle appears to be FLAWLESS.  Just a redneck's compliments but absolutely beautiful, Sir!