This classic Golden Age fullstock flint rifle appears to be inspired by the architecture of rifles from the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania such as John Rupp. Stocked in maple the stock is stained to warm brown that nicely contrasts the bright nickel silver furniture. The furniture is extremely well fitted to the wood. This rifle also features a hooked breech with a integral pan that removes with the barrel. The flintlock and barrel are both finished to a dark brown. This rifle is very lightly used and has only a few small handling marks. Trigger reach is 13-1/4", to fit todays average size shooter. This longrifle has a heavy octagon barrel and weighs 11.6 pounds.
The 43" straight 1" octagon barrel is .45 caliber. The barrel has a hooked beech that adds about 1" to the over all length. The hooked breech makes it possible to dismount the barrel for cleaning. The bore is cut rifled with eight flat bottom grooves with a slow twist for patched round ball. The barrel is finished to a smooth brown. A flat top rear sight is dovetailed 10" ahead of the breech. A silver blade front sight is dovetailed 1-1/4" behind the muzzle.
The stock is finished to a amber brown with a golden undertone. This rifle has very attractive slender shaping and the furniture is very tightly inlet. The buttplate is a late 19th century design with a slender profile and modest crescent shape to fit the shooter's shoulder. Recoil should be very modest with the .45 caliber bore and weight of the rifle. The cheek angles wider to the rear. The wrist is fitted with an engraved acorn inlay. The patchbox is elaborately shape with piercings on the head and side panels. Wood to metal fit is excellent. The door is a cam over center design and works very well.
The bottom view reveals the long nickel silver toeplate, retained with small blued steel screws. The triggerguard has a long bow for the double set triggers, and a gently curled fish lip grip rail. Three star shaped nickel silver escutcheon plates surround the wedge keys. All the keys are very well tuned and can be pushed out with firm pressure. The three keys allow the hooked breech to dismount the barrel from the tang. This rifle has a pan that is integral to the breech and removes with the barrel. To dismount the barrel we recommend putting the lock at half cock. The frizzen must remain open. Remove the wedge keys, we recommend using a brass or hardwood drift to just push the keys far enough that they can be removed by hand. Put the keys in order to go back into the same position, same orientation. Carefully lift the barrel from the stock and rotate it up until the integral pan can clear the frizzen. Handle the stock with care, the thin forend is fragile without the barrel to support the walls. Care should also be used when handling and cleaning the barrel with the integral pan. he muzzle cap protects the end grain of the stock. The rifle is fitted with a 3/8" diameter ramrod with barber pole stripe, but no provisions for threaded accessories. The side panel is fitted with a nickel silver sideplate with piercings. The cheek piece is fitted with a engraved Federal eagle inlay clutching a banner engraved Dixon Hermon.
Ignition of this rifle is provided by Palmetto flintlock, likely from the the 1970's. This early 19th century styled flintlock is shaped with a squared tail with moldings across it. The lock has a dark brown finish. The flint cock has some play on the tumbler. The lock sparks fair for such a small lock. The single lever double set trigger is properly adjusted to allow the lock to be cocked before or after setting the trigger. The single lever design requires the triggers to be set to fire the lock. Adjust the screw between the two triggers, inboard to reduce set trigger release pressure, our outboard to require a stronger pressure. The set trigger can provide very light release, perhaps an ounce or two, for accurate aimed shooting during pleasant weather.
This longrifle is used with some minor handling marks on the stock. he rifle has very nice shaping, fit, and finish. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.
