Antique Kentucky Long Rifle

doctorb · April 27, 2014, 09:41:36 PM

A retired surgeon in town, who has been a long-time friend, is moving to smaller digs as he and his wife are into their 80's. He called me to his home last week and presented me with a gift, an original Kentucky Long-Rifle, he thinks circa 1840. Cap and ball mechanism, beautiful dark tiger maple, octagonal barrel, gorgeous brass inlay on the stock. A spectacular rifle. Does anyone have a website or reference that I can use to help me find the age and origin of this piece? Thanks.

Texas Ranger · April 27, 2014, 11:09:07 PM

Check for markings on the metal, most rifles have some, should help. NRA museum maybe.

Autocar · April 28, 2014, 09:12:23 AM

We like tiger maple stocks ,show us a picture ;D.

terry f · April 28, 2014, 11:43:35 AM

Lucky you, should be a proof mark on the barrel. Does it look like it could have been converted from flintlock?

ely · April 28, 2014, 11:47:07 AM

I can put you in touch with my best friend, he knows a ton about that stuff and even builds them for folks. pm if you like.

sandhills · April 28, 2014, 03:18:20 PM

Can't help much but this definitely requires pictures! As stated there should be something on the barrel, great find/gift Doc!

clww · April 28, 2014, 04:39:29 PM

If it were me, take it to my buddy (Phil Schrier) at the NRA National Firearms Museum. ;)

Jeff · April 28, 2014, 05:32:05 PM

Bobby sent me these pics to post, but I don't see any rifle. only rifle parts!

Thanks for posting these, Jeff.

clww · April 28, 2014, 05:54:05 PM

Beautiful parts.

I have a great stone fireplace, if you need somewhere to display it, Doc. ;)

scsmith42 · April 28, 2014, 06:07:07 PM

Quote from: clww on April 28, 2014, 04:39:29 PM
If it were me, take it to my buddy (Phil Schrier) at the NRA National Firearms Museum. ;)

^^^ This. And it's right in your back yard too.

Don't drive through DC though... they will think that you're some kind of terrorist.

Delawhere Jack · April 28, 2014, 06:20:42 PM

Just a thought.... check to see if it's loaded.

Jeff · April 28, 2014, 06:26:41 PM

That is a very legitimate thing to advise for sure.

doctorb · April 28, 2014, 06:58:48 PM

Not loaded. Checked first thing. Didn't want my obituary to be that stupid.

I tried to take a picture of the entire rifle, but it's so long that it doesn't do it any justice.

Texas Ranger · April 28, 2014, 08:50:47 PM

Some where under the rust are identifyable markings

sawguy21 · April 28, 2014, 10:47:12 PM

What a gift, that is a keeper. Really something to be in that condition unrestored after 170 years. The Damascus barrel scares me though, I woudn't shoot it with modern powder.

terry f · April 28, 2014, 10:58:25 PM

Leave the rust and don't try to restore it, looks just fine. Didn't think that was Damascus, but I'm no expert.

doctorb · May 01, 2014, 07:05:54 PM

Those pics have been sent to friends of friends and so on....and my concern is that the tiger maple appearance may not be real. Note that the tiger "striping" (It's grain on end as opposed to the grain in wood we're used to seeing) is perpendicular to the barrel as well as perpendicular to the stock. It gives the appearance that maybe the wood finish of the rifle had been altered by a wrapped stain technique versus the tiger look of actual wood. This rifle has created a fair amount of interest and education for me, and I will try and update my findings as they are gathered. Take a look at the photos with the above observations (from an antique gun guy) and see what you think.

beenthere · May 01, 2014, 08:58:18 PM

With a 10X lens, you might be able to tell if the stripes are from grain pattern or from effects of careful staining.
If any of the gun parts come off and you can look at the wood from the "inside" where the barrel is inlet, then the grain pattern should also be visible one way or another.

Clark · May 02, 2014, 08:55:46 AM

I recall reading that some of the muzzle loading gun makers would paint on tiger stripes. While it was probably frowned upon at the time having a gun with painted tiger stripes can add legitimacy, "provenance", "patina" or one of half a dozen other words you only hear on Antiques Roadshow. I don't think there is anything to worry about but if they are painted stripes you then only have to prove that they weren't painted by someone other than the maker...if you want an original piece.

Clark