Thanks everyone for your help. Chuck, that is the rifle I was hoping to get another look at. I am left scratching my head though...a flint lock from 1850. All of the other characteristics of the rifle scream percussion era, as well as the date. This rifle was obviously (to me, at least) a custom ordered rifle, by a flintlock enthusiast like you or me, but with money in his jeans.
thanks again....Taylor