Author Topic: Edward Harper rifle  (Read 2033 times)

Offline Shreckmeister

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3808
  • GGGG Grandpa Schrecengost Gunsmith/Miller
Edward Harper rifle
« on: October 19, 2023, 03:40:54 PM »










Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.

Offline mbriggs

  • member 2
  • Hero Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 559
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2023, 04:07:15 PM »
Rob,
That looks great. I have seen two very similar Harper rifles here in N.C.  I have a fancy patchbox rifle by Edward's son, John Harper.

The Harper's worked at Harper's crossroads in Chatham County.  Their longrifles are from the Bear Creek School, but folkier than their neighbors the Kennedy's.  Please reach out to me if you ever decide to sell it. Thanks for posting it.

Michael Briggs
mbriggs@callcoverage.com
C. Michael Briggs

Offline Shreckmeister

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3808
  • GGGG Grandpa Schrecengost Gunsmith/Miller
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2023, 05:38:31 PM »
Hi Mike, I posted it for a friend. It’s not mine. I wish it were.
Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.

Offline JTR

  • member 2
  • Hero Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 4351
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2023, 05:50:50 PM »
Wow! How cool is that!
I've never seen such a thing.
Thanks for posting the pictures. John
John Robbins

Offline jdm

  • member 2
  • Hero Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1446
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2023, 06:13:02 PM »
That is one cool rifle !  Like JTR this is my first. Thank your friend for letting us see it. 

     Did you get my PM on the question you sent ??   Jim
JIM

Offline Hungry Horse

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5565
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2023, 07:01:42 PM »
 Is that trigger guard made from one piece? I saw a similar guard on a gun purported to be from Mississippi, years ago. It was a much later percussion backaction lock affair, but the hardware was simple, unforgettable, and very well made. Thanks for the great pictures.

Hungry Horse

Offline DaveM

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 528
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #6 on: October 19, 2023, 07:09:38 PM »
Wow, that is unique! I like it. Is that a “faux” wood patchbox? The style looks like a tribute to early guns?

Offline Avlrc

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1376
    • Hampshire County Long Rifles
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #7 on: October 19, 2023, 09:12:45 PM »
WOW.

Offline Shreckmeister

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3808
  • GGGG Grandpa Schrecengost Gunsmith/Miller
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #8 on: October 19, 2023, 09:18:49 PM »
Wow, that is unique! I like it. Is that a “faux” wood patchbox? The style looks like a tribute to early guns?

Yes, it’s a faux wood patch box
Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.

Offline Shreckmeister

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3808
  • GGGG Grandpa Schrecengost Gunsmith/Miller
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #9 on: October 19, 2023, 09:19:25 PM »
That is one cool rifle !  Like JTR this is my first. Thank your friend for letting us see it. 

     Did you get my PM on the question you sent ??   Jim

I don’t see a message from you, Jim
Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.

Offline jdm

  • member 2
  • Hero Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1446
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #10 on: October 19, 2023, 09:36:43 PM »
PM sent again with pictures  Jim
JIM

Offline monro1066

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 80
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #11 on: October 19, 2023, 09:50:12 PM »
That just so neat ...........

Offline AZshot

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 701
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #12 on: October 20, 2023, 05:07:59 AM »
To me, they made some of the most unique NC rifles, very different from just about everything else. Thanks for showing it.

Offline Buck

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 921
  • A.F.A.M. # 934, Trinity Commandry #80
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #13 on: October 20, 2023, 12:24:44 PM »
Rob,

Great gun, you’ve been keeping it interesting lately. Suzkat life support!

Noel

Offline Howard

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 214
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #14 on: October 22, 2023, 10:01:02 PM »
I have seen this rifle years ago at the Tenn. Show in Clinton if I remember right before the repair. Nice rifle!

Offline Shreckmeister

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3808
  • GGGG Grandpa Schrecengost Gunsmith/Miller
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #15 on: October 22, 2023, 10:07:13 PM »
I have seen this rifle years ago at the Tenn. Show in Clinton if I remember right before the repair. Nice rifle!
What did they repair?
Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.

Offline Buck

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 921
  • A.F.A.M. # 934, Trinity Commandry #80
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #16 on: October 23, 2023, 01:16:10 PM »
Rob,

Looks like there's a repair on top of the lock and in front of the lock plate.

Buck
« Last Edit: October 23, 2023, 07:30:04 PM by Buck »

Offline Howard

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 214
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #17 on: October 31, 2023, 12:20:05 AM »
If I recall it was missing wood and it was percussion, or the lock was gone. I just can't recall but it was a wreck. I recognize the rifle by the way the stock was made. this is a neat rifle.

Offline Shreckmeister

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3808
  • GGGG Grandpa Schrecengost Gunsmith/Miller
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #18 on: October 31, 2023, 01:38:40 AM »
I’m told this rifle was never in Tennessee at a gun show. Could there be another?
Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.

Offline B.Barker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1394
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #19 on: October 31, 2023, 04:54:12 AM »
I think those funky rifles like that are really cool. Thanks for sharing.

Offline Howard

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 214
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #20 on: October 31, 2023, 02:17:58 PM »
If this rifle wasn't at Clinton Tenn. then this is its twin. It is hard to forget a great rifle like this.

Offline Mike Brooks

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13415
    • Mike Brooks Gunmaker
Re: Edward Harper rifle
« Reply #21 on: October 31, 2023, 06:19:11 PM »
There are several of them pictured in Bill Ivey's book
NEW WEBSITE! www.mikebrooksflintlocks.com
Say, any of you boys smithies? Or, if not smithies per se, were you otherwise trained in the metallurgic arts before straitened circumstances forced you into a life of aimless wanderin'?