Looking for any Info. about a Flintlock Muzzleloader inherited awhile back

[iowathumper]

History - My Grandpa passed away back in 1970 he was really into anything blackpowder hunted with this one taking many whitetails and competitive shooting my Aunt passed on to me in 2005 at that time I was only interested in hanging on to it, and displaying it.
I would like to use it on Whitetails next Lt Muzzle loader season.
The only Info. I have is it says J Snevely on barrel, and the pictures below.
Any other info. to help identify would be appreciated! let me know.

[Avlrc]

Jacob S. Snevely Harrisburg PA ,1817. 1824-1835 Piqua Ohio. (American Gunsmiths)

[Avlrc]

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=6215.0

https://www.oldbarn.com/auction-lot/jacob-s.-snevely-piqua-ohio-miami-cty-.53-cal_C41419EA2C

[JTR]

You have a very nice rifle there!
It's hard to tell from these pictures, but it looks like it has a full length barrel, and could be in original flintlock configuration, which would be a plus. Do you have any idea what the hole is just below the pan?
Sinc your Grandpa proved it safe to shoot, that would be a super fun gun. If you haven't already, run the ramrod down the barrel to be sure it isn't still loaded. Just to be safe, if you're not familiar with these old guns, have a gunsmith check out the bore/breech plug condition to be sure it's safe to shoot.
The one in the auction link sold for $650, but yours in this condition I'd say is worth more along $2000/2500+ range. Just take care of it, don't refinish it, and don't try to cover all the old nicks and bruises. Just use it, enjoy it, and count yourself lucky!
John

[iowathumper]

I do not on the hole. I will take another look at it tonight and measure the barrel length, maybe clean the dust off a little. Any recommendations there?

There is nothing on there that shows Caliber. Any suggestions on how to determine other than Calipers? Did they have any odd sizes back then?

Thanks for all the Info.

[JTR]

Other than military, calibers on these rifles weren't standardized at that point.
Calipers are what you need, and don't be surprised at things like .470. From the picture it looks like about 50-ish. Any chance there is a hunting bag that Grandpa had, with some balls, patches, etc?
Have you looked in the patchbox to see what might be there?
John

[taterbug]

no help with info, but that is a very nice rifle to have!!  Follow the tips from these smart guys for care for it. 

[Top Jaw]

Before you shoot it, I would suggest you make sure you have a good stout range rod several inches longer than the barrel (wood is OK, but better yet stainless steel or brass, with a centering guide attached) and the right size cleaning jag so you can clean it well afterwards.  The rod on the rifle is only for field use and reloading. Not a good option for really cleaning one. 

Improper cleaning after shooting, because someone lacked the correct rod/jag, or didn’t know how, and then left it partially dirty with corrosive black powder residue,  has ruined many good M/L rifle bores.  Also, If you’re unfamiliar with flintlocks, as has been said, best to get a little coaching before or when you shoot it.

[Bob Gerard]

I think the hole under the flash pan was for a screw that secured the original main spring, something like what’s shown in the photo below.


super deduper