The full-stocked rifle below was picked up at a local auction today/Saturday. It was made somewhat as a "budget" gun or what can be called a "poor boy" in some locations. Its "patchbox" is a simple swivel-type sheet-brass lid with a small "catch" to stop it in place over the cavity. The rifle, while well-made, has no inlay work and lacks a nose cap and rear ramrod pipe. It was originally a flintlock based on the vent pick hole in the toe and a plugged front bolt hole seen on the back side. I've seen a couple of these rifles with the swivel-type patchbox lid, all look like Pennsylvania rifles to me, perhaps a low-cost gun that's a step up from an eastern "barn rifle." The guard and butt plate are nicely filed, the single trigger is well-shaped with a scrolled tip, and the stock, while very plain maple, has a pleasing architecture.
The barrel is original length at 44-1/2 inches with a .50 caliber bore, 7-groove "round bottom" rifling, and attached with wedges. Since my area of focus is southern guns, particularly those from Kentucky... and Tansel powder horns... I'm needing a little help identifying this rifle... with no marks on the barrel. If you've seen this style rifle before, or know about them, I'd appreciate hearing from you and your thoughts.
The comb in profile almost looks like it has been lowered slightly toward the front, or wrist, but when you handle the gun and look down from the top, it has clean lines and looks all original, so not sure if anything has been done there or not.
Shelby Gallien
