Reload this Page HELP, EXPERTS, PLEASE!!! Need help with identification - 1840'

[bogey54311]

I will give you every drop of info I have on my Gun.
(I'm not a gun guy so bear with my lack of wording)

This gun had a light restore about 35 years ago.
The gun is 100% original except for the wood rod under the barrel.
The gun was found in Massachusetts in a house built in the 1740's.
I was told back then this gun was made in the 1840's.
Other than the awesome engraving all over the (nickel?) silver, when the gun was cleaned up, the restorer found a name on the bottom of the barrel, above the forestock.
I'm not sure how to take the gun apart to get to the name, but I remember the name he told me.  I might be a hair off, so someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Muzzy & co.

I am trying to find out who made this, where they were from, how many of these there might be, and finally, a value.

The forestock looks like it has a small crack, but it is a check in the wood, not a crack.  It is very solid.  (one thing I do know is wood).

The (2) triggers work.  The restorer said this gun was used very little in it's life.  He seemed to think it was a fancy hunting gun.

I've had this gun for a long time and parts of it have always been a mystery to me.

Thanks to all ahead of time for your help.

Here are some photos, I have more if you need them for identification.  Just let me know.


Chris
bogey54311@yahoo.com

[nord]

Chris -

Barrel removal is simple. It appears this gun has a hooked breach. If so, then all you should have to do is remove the ramrod and key(s) through the forestock. Bring the hammer to half cock and lift gently on the barrel. If I'm wrong about the hooked breach, then you'll also remove the screw on the tang just to the rear of the breach.

The rifle itself is nicely preserved, but not at all uncommon. I'd be inclined to think that dating it back to 1840 is a stretch. Probably nearer to 1855 in my estimation. And more probably later than 1855 rather than earlier.

I certainly wouldn't argue a New England product but I'd probably class it as made in NY without data to the contrary. When I say this I'm looking at features common to Albany and westward to Buffalo... Possibly even westward from there along Lake Erie as this is a late gun.

Value is something we should be reluctant to discuss as there exists no real basis to give you a firm figure. It seems when we make the mistake of naming a figure that differing interests and opinions bubble to the surface and tempers sometimes flare.

Perhaps best to say that you have a nice little halfstock. It's not terribly valuable on the scale of the more classic long rifles. These are valued for their artistry and your rifle is devoid of such.

Understand... I'm not saying anything critical of this piece. What I'm attempting to share is that this is a very nice rifle, not a work of art. And this distinction makes all the difference!

[Dphariss]

Remove ramrod and barrel key.
Since I cannot see a "joint" for a hooked breech you will surely have to remove the tang screw as well.
BE CAREFUL. Use a GOOD screw driver that FITS the screw not some Ace hardware special. If it will not turn with reasonable pressure you need professional help.
The only way to get a value is to have it appraised by someone not trying to buy if from you at wholesale or less.
Rifle could date to the Civil War or later or 1840.
The name on the bottom of the barrel is probably the barrel maker or gun parts dealer.
Many were marked "Remington" for example since they furnished a lot of barrels.
Its likely the engraving on the TG and Capbox was there when the parts were purchased. Pretty common practice.
Dan

[JV Puleo]

Its a very typical, central Massacusetts target/hunting rifle - made for both purposes although there wasn't much to be hunted in Massachusetts at the time and target shooting was an extremely popular sport. This isn't a rare maker and this type of rifle isn't widely collected but they are very nice to shoot and often found in very good condition - a reflection of the fact that they were never "necessities" in everyday life.

[smylee grouch]

I have one almost identicle and the only info on the gun is Remington stampoed on the bottom flat. Jim Goodeion freshed it out and I have used it to take three deer so far. There are some more very similer in the Davis Museam in Clairmore, OK. You might inquire there. Gary

[Acer Saccharum]

When you see Remington on a barrel, it can be several things.
a)Remington made the gun.
b)Remington supplied the barrels.
Many builders use Remington barrels for their work. N. Lewis in Troy, NY is one example. Zischang in Syracuse is another. These guys bought reamed barrels and rifled their own style of twist and groove.

Remington was a huge manufactory, and they used the vast canal/waterway system to supply barrels all over NYS and down into NYC and MA.