This photo shows the barrel inscription on the Samuel Conrad rifle.
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L. Dietle
Photos of the right-hand side of the rifle
The following photograph provides an overall view of the right-hand side of the rifle, which is attractively stocked in curly maple. As can be seen in the photograph, the graceful full length stock has significant drop at the heel. The overall length of the rifle from the toe of the stock to the muzzle is 53-1/8-inches, and the barrel length is 39-5/16-inches. The rifle is fitted with an apeture-type (i.e., "peep") rear sight and a hooded bead and blade-type front sight. Click here for another full-length photo of the rifle that was taken with different lighting.
The following image features the engraved, un-pierced four-piece patch box. The peripheral shape of the patch box on this rifle is identical to the patch box on the Samuel Conrad rifle that is shown on page 81 of the 1991 book "Gunsmiths of Bedford, Somerset and Fulton Counties", except the asymmetric finial is a mirror image of the one in the book. Click here to see a view that shows more of the right-hand rear portion of the rifle, including a repair patch on the top of the wrist.
The following picture provides an oblique view of the cast brass buttplate.
The following picture provides an oblique view of the engraved brass toe plate, which is retained to the wooden stock with two screws. Unlike many old Pennsylvania long guns, the toe of this gun has survived without breakage.
The following picture shows the rounded tail percussion lock, which is a commercially produced component that is marked "Joseph Golcher". According to Frank M. Sellers' book "American Gunsmiths" (second edition, 2008), Joseph Golcher was a locksmith who worked in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The picture also provides a good view of the double set trigger
arrangement, including the adjustment screw, and shows that the percussion drum has a slotted vent screw. The hair trigger (front trigger) is straight with a round cross-sectional shape and the set trigger (rear trigger) is curved. Click here for an oblique view of the lock.
The following picture provides a view of the forearm portion of this antique black powder rifle. Click here, here, and here for additional views of the forearm.
The next photo provides a side view of the brass ramrod entry pipe. The transverse pins that retain the entry pipe and the barrel to the stock are also visible.
The following picture provides a right-hand view of the forestock. The axial length of the brass nosecap is relatively short, and the nosecap rivet appears to be made from copper. Click here for a bottom view of the forestock. Click here for an oblique right-side view of the hooded front sight.
The following image provides a view of the muzzle, showing that the bore has seven rifling grooves. The image also shows the bead and post-type front sight.
Photos taken along the top of the rifle
The following picture provides a top view of the breech plug tang, the peep sight, and the percussion lock. The square-ended breech plug tang is secured to the stock with two screws.
The following image provides a rear view of the peep sight. Click here for an oblique left-hand view of the peep sight.
The next photo shows the nicely engraved inscription S+ Conrad." on the top flat of the full octagon barrel. The photo also shows that the conventional dovetailed rear sight was removed to provide a clear line of vision through the peep sight. A web page visitor commented that there may be a quality difference between the barrel signature engraving and the patchbox engraving.
The following picture provides a rear view of the hooded front sight. The peep rear sight and hooded front sight are somewhat unusual for this type of firearm, and add to its mystique.
Photos of the left-hand side of the rifle
The following photograph provides an overall view of the left-hand side of this interesting percussion muzzleloader.
The next photo shows the left-hand side of the carved buttstock of this old Pennsylvania long rifle. The buttstock shape is similar to the buttstock of the Samuel Conrad rifle in the aforementioned 1991 book, but the comb is a bit higher.
The next image is an enlargement from the buttstock photo that is included above, to highlight the decorative incised carving. In addition to the carving to the rear of the cheekpiece, an incised line follows along the belly of the stock. The cast brass buttplate is similar to, and perhaps identical to, the one in the 1991 book, right down to having two apparently filed lines across the top forward part of the buttplate.
The next image is included to highlight the lock bolt plate and the mating raised stock panel. The peripheral shape of the lock bolt plate appears to be identical to the one shown on the Samuel Conrad rifle in the aforementioned 1991 book. The lock is retained to the stock by a single lock bolt. The two smaller screws retain the lock bolt plate to the stock when the lock bolt has been removed. The slotted head of the lock bolt is worn from use. Click here to see a close-up view that shows the engraving on the lock bolt plate.
The next image is an enlargement from the buttstock photo that is included above. The image highlights the cast brass trigger guard, which appears to be identical to the one shown on the Samuel Conrad rifle in the aforementioned 1991 book. The image also shows the transverse metal pins that retain the trigger guard to the rifle stock.
The following picture provides an oblique view of the ramrod entry pipe, from the left-hand side of the rifle. Click here for an additional photo of the left-hand side of the entry pipe.
The following picture provides a view of the left-hand side of the forestock.
