Long Rifle marked for "John Simpson"

[OldScholAntiques]

I'd appreciate any help or advice regarding what I understand to be a Kentucky or Pennsylvania "Long Rifle" with a Double Set Trigger. I'll begin by saying that it does not belong to me, but I've been sent photos by the owner. I'm in the UK, and a Long Rifle is not something I come across very often.

Aside from the photos, I can only add what I have discovered for myself, some of which may not be correct. The overall length of the rifle is around 61 inches, with the barrel roughly 45 inches. It has the typical octagonal, small bore barrel, probably somewhere between .45 and .50 inch, which has been 'blued'. It is currently fitted with a caplock percussion mechanism, but is this original? Given the length of the barrel, could this be an older rifle that has been "modernised" at some time, replacing an earlier flintlock mechanism? There are certainly signs of work around the barrel, where the percussion cap is fitted, and damage to the fore-stock that might suggest so.

The stock itself appears to be in much better condition than the rest of the rifle, and probably a replacement The brasswork certainly seems to be unmarked, which seems unlikely for a rifle which otherwise looks to be at least c1850, if not older.

There are some marks on the metalwork, including what looks to be a shield-shaped emblem on the trigger guard. The vestiges of some engraving is just discernible on the lockplate, including what looks to be a standing figure, together with some foliate engraving (or possibly a monogram?) to the rear of the cockscrew mount. There is a simple pinstripe border. Towards the front of the plate is something indistinguishable which may be purely decorative. The name "John Simpson" is engraved into a rectangular brass plate, inset into the top of the barrel - original owner's name or gunsmith?

Any thoughts on how old this might be, how original, and perhaps where it was made ... gratefully received.

[AZshot]

To me it looks like a restocked rifle made on an older barrel and lock.

[JTR]

I agree with AZshot.

[Mike Brooks]

 I think it's relatively old  maybe early 1900s, but has been recently refinished.

[Daryl]

Brass trigger guard screws - interesting. Looks like a fairly modern re-stock, to me.

[OldScholAntiques]

Thanks for all the helpful comments, mostly reinforcing my own beliefs about the rifle.

Do you think the "John Simpson" is the original owner or the gunsmith?

Does anyone recognise the shield emblem on the trigger guard?

[Bob Roller]

Looks like a gun that was seen for years in a local pawn shop.A $10 bill would have bought it.One of my best friends was John Simpson who
was a radio personality here for years but he also had a a law degree and was a judge in Ashland Ky for 12 years.I tend to agree with Daryl on this one.
Bob Roller

[Brent English]

If it's a restock, it was shot a lot after restocking, as evidenced by the wood erosion by the drum.  I'm going with a later gun (agreeing with Mike) that was refinished.

[Bob Roller]

Those triggers. They look modern to me.Anyone else have an opinion on these?
Bob Roller

[Pukka Bundook]

Bob,
Those triggers are cast modern ones as far as I can see.
Lot of the rifle is old, but been through the works more recently I reckon.

[Mike Brooks]

Those triggers. They look modern to me.Anyone else have an opinion on these?
Bob Roller

I believe the gun was a product of the 1920's or 30's