A unique smooth rifle

[WKevinD]

Today I was cataloging a dusty collection at our local historical society museum and came across this gun that I don't understand.
.50 caliber smooth barrel, swamped 40" octagon barrel, brass side hinged nailed on patch box that I don't recognize silver "moon" inlay above cheek piece.
Has a full-length cover plate that runs from entry pipe to trigger guard
The comb is covered from but plate finial to wrist, nailed on
Lock (flint, is missing) was attached to the gun with a screw that was thru the lock pate face into the breech plug tang,

[Avlrc]

Holy Toledo, what a patchbox! Anxious to read the comments about this one. 

[Tanselman]

It has a bit of the "feeling" of an early John Meals rifle of Adams Co, Pennsylvania, particularly in its odd, elaborate patchbox with "leafy" protrusions and side-opening lid.

Shelby Gallien

[WKevinD]

It has a bit of the "feeling" of an early John Meals rifle of Adams Co, Pennsylvania, particularly in its odd, elaborate patchbox with "leafy" protrusions and side-opening lid.

Shelby Gallien

I looked up John Meals in Kindig, Thoughts, 521-523. I find few similarities in his images other than butt stock shape. The descriptions seem to fit but I would like to see other images and descriptions. I no longer have Whiskers books but understand he referenced J Meals. Any other direction to find info on J Meals?
Kevin

[whetrock]

It reminds me a bit of this one, from the ALR library. But I don't know that the comparison helps with attribution at all.

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=15733.0

[Tanselman]

You might want to check Meals' rifles in Chandler's "Patchboxes" book to see the wide variation in boxes he used, often with rather unique protrusions.

Shelby Gallien