A Question Regarding Sideplates

[bluenoser]

I am in need of some guidance regarding sideplates.
This is in relation to my Virginia rifle project.  The objective is to build a rifle styled after something that might have been produced in Augusta County VA ca 1760 - 1780, and my research indicates such a build would or could reflect the architecture of a British fowling piece.  The sideplate will  reflect that.

My question is regarding sideplates typically seen on British fowling pieces ca 1750 - 1770.
Is the side plate typically:
flush mounted and about 1/16" thick;
Standing proud of the wood by about 1/16" or less and with rounded (softened) edges;
As above, but with squared edges;
Standing proud of the wood by about 1/16" with pronounced bevelled edges and about 1/8" thick;
Something different?

My current thinking is the plate should be about 3/32" to 1/8" thick, stand proud of the wood by about 1/32" with rounded (softened) edges and with slightly countersunk lock nails.

Any and all guidance will be appreciated.

[Mike Brooks]

The objective is to build a rifle styled after something that might have been produced in Augusta County VA ca 1760 - 1780, and my research indicates such a build would or could reflect the architecture of a British fowling piece.

 Not my experience.

[bluenoser]

Mike, It would be helpful if you could expand your comment.  Are you saying that, in your experience, none of the guns from that region and time period exhibited the elongated wrist extending back into the butt, as seen in (at least some) British fowling pieces of the period and the Brown Bess?  Your knowledge and experience dwarfs my own but, quite frankly, that is not what I believe to be the case.

Your observations with regard to the sideplates on fowling pieces of the period would be appreciated.

[smart dog]

Hi,






























dave

[bluenoser]

Dave,
Thank you for taking the time to post the photos.
As luck would have it, the sideplate in your 6th, 7th and 8th photos is the one I have copied for my build.  I have adjusted the dimensions to fit my side panel and am ready to cut it out.  I did not have the top-view photo or the one with the plate removed and those help.  My impression is the plate is perhaps 3/32" thick and stands about 1/32" proud of the wood.  The edges appear to be slightly rounded or softened (not beveled or square).  I had thought the tail might not stand as proud as the rest of the plate, but the top-view photo appears to disprove that.
Do you think I have it right?

I have 1/16", 3/32" and 1/8" brass, and am unsure which would be best, but am leaning toward 3/32".

Edit
I see the plate in the last photo is clearly beveled and likely stands a little more proud.  The plate in the first photo appears to stand quite a bit more proud and have very rounded edges, so I guess there are multiple equally appropriate options.

Thanks again
Laurie

[Ed Wenger]

Laurie…, the attached link might be of some help to you.  I don’t want to put words into Mike’s mouth, but this might be kind of what he was alluding to.

https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1996-B74-Early-Rifles-of-the-Shenandoah-Valley.pdf

You’ll see several examples of rifles attributed to the Augusta, Botetourt, Rockbridge Co.’s area, which typically have a different architecture when compared to English Fowlers.  There is one example shown that has the styling I think you are describing, which you’ll find is remarkably similar to Jim Kibler’s beautiful new rifle kit.  I’m guessing you’re going for something like that, which would go well with the side plate I think you’re looking for.  Not meant as any criticism, just pointing out that many “Virginia” rifles didn’t necessarily have the attributes of Fowlers.  Best,

         Ed

[alacran]

Thank you for posting this PDF. I have been looking for this article for some time now. I have it saved now.

[bluenoser]

Wallace Gusler's presentation is a very informative read and was a key element in my research.  Another presentation well worth reading is Edwin Gewrz presentation "Long Rifles of the Valley of Virginia" (https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1989-B60-Long-rifles-of-the-Shenandoah-Valley-of-.pdf).