Any idea where and when this rifle might have been made.

[maharsb]

I am looking for any ideas on when and where this rifle might have been made.
It is 50 caliber with 44 7/8” barrel.

Thanks,
Steven

[Tanselman]

The gun was probably made in the Appalachian hill country where southeastern Kentucky and southwestern North Carolina meet... probably in a small town rather than the countryside due to its more finished look and stocking quality. The pointed side facings are often seen in this area, as are the straight comb and toe lines on the butt. This rifle is rather late with its extended toe and lack of a cheekpiece, and often percussion guns from that area looked about the same from the 1840s through the 1880s... since styles changed more slowly in the backwoods areas.

Depending on who looks at your rifle, it might seem to be from one area or perhaps another. It looks a little more Kentucky-ish to me with its stock architecture, lozenge tang, three pipes, and later brass guard that's screwed on... suggesting 1860s vintage. Even its slight "scooping" above/around the side facings looks like KY guns from the southeastern hill county. But I bet someone else will see other details that stand out in their eyes and push it another way... since it's often difficult to locate these later, plainer rifles, made more difficult by its lack of a cheekpiece. But this gun has pleasing architecture... so it MUST be from my favorite area, Kentucky!

Shelby Gallien

[maharsb]

Thank you Shelby.
If it helps any there is a slight swamp to the barrel. It is 1” at the breach and muzzle and 9/10” in the middle.
Steven

[Gtrubicon]

Is it a smooth bore? I can’t tell from the picture.

[maharsb]

I’m not really sure if it’s smooth or if the rifling is mostly shot out. It looks pretty smooth right at the muzzle, but if I stick a screwdriver down the bore and move it in a circle it kind of catches or bumps as it goes around.

[james lynn]

This rifle, except for missing small cheek piece is almost an exact copy of a J Griffith (joseph) Louisville ky family rifle that I own. Overall wood shape is the same esp. around lock butt, long toeplate, and tang is the same. My caliber in upper 30's with 48 inch barrel

[Tanselman]

James,

Thanks for responding. I would enjoy seeing pictures of your Joseph Griffith rifle, if you wouldn't mind posting a few, perhaps a full length view of the front side and the two normal half-length views of front and back showing full butt out to about 8" past lock plate. Your 48" barrel is longer than Griffith's normal work, and if it has the pointed side facings around the lock plate, it will add to my knowledge of Louisville guns, since I haven't seen that detail on a Griffith rifle before... but I haven't seen one with a 48" barrel either. One reason for thinking the posted gun, while having KY characteristics, is probably more rural than bustling Louisville, is the triggers... a little less polished than the triggers used by better makers in Louisville, and the front "hair" trigger looks like it was made a little farther south to me. But there are always new twists and surprises on these old guns, just waiting to be found out there! I'm a little jealous that you have a Griffith family rifle... does it have a provenance back to about when it was made? Thanks again for responding.

Shelby Gallien

[james lynn]

Sir I dont have the ability to add images to computer but if you are interested enough I took some flip phone pictures and can mail them to your phone (or at least try)  The barrel is 48 inches

[Clark Badgett]

The gun was probably made in the Appalachian hill country where southeastern Kentucky and southwestern North Carolina meet... probably in a small town rather than the countryside due to its more finished look and stocking quality. The pointed side facings are often seen in this area, as are the straight comb and toe lines on the butt. This rifle is rather late with its extended toe and lack of a cheekpiece, and often percussion guns from that area looked about the same from the 1840s through the 1880s... since styles changed more slowly in the backwoods areas.

Depending on who looks at your rifle, it might seem to be from one area or perhaps another. It looks a little more Kentucky-ish to me with its stock architecture, lozenge tang, three pipes, and later brass guard that's screwed on... suggesting 1860s vintage. Even its slight "scooping" above/around the side facings looks like KY guns from the southeastern hill county. But I bet someone else will see other details that stand out in their eyes and push it another way... since it's often difficult to locate these later, plainer rifles, made more difficult by its lack of a cheekpiece. But this gun has pleasing architecture... so it MUST be from my favorite area, Kentucky!

Shelby Gallien

Ok you lost me here. Where does SE Kentucky and SW North Carolina meet?

[james lynn]

Tanselman I think I have figured the way to send you photos of Griffith rifle with e mail even with my simple flip phone If you wish I will try tomorrow Am 83 and not very tech minded  If you wish send me a n e mail address that you dont mind sharing
James Lynn

[Tanselman]

James,

If you can e-mail pictures of your Joseph Griffith rifle, please send to xxx. Thanks,

Shelby Gallien

[james lynn]

Tried to send a sample photo-if it goes through let me know-lots more.  sorry if it does not.  For your info the barrel is fastened on with headless flat wedges --no pins

[Tanselman]

James,

I got your first two images attached to e-mails. Your rifle really has a looooong barrel for a Louisville gun, longest one I've seen on a Griffith rifle, especially one made a bit later. Your rifle has his double-spurred guard, indicating the rifle probably dates to the 1850s. He worked in Louisville from 1837 until his death in 1873.

Shelby Gallien