Introduction
Do you have any information that would help to identify the maker of this rifle? For example:
L. Dietle
Photos along the right-hand side of the rifle
The next picture provides an enlarged view of the right-hand rear portion of the rifle, from the buttplate to the ramrod entry pipe. The profile of the comb of the stock is slightly convex and the profile of the belly of the stock is slightly concave. The forward end of the comb is noticeably higher than the wrist. One of the keys that retains the barrel to the stock is visible generally below the dovetail of the rear sight.
The next image provides a view of the beautifully engraved patch box in the closed position. Click here to see an enlarged view of the lid and side plates of the patch box. Click here to see an enlarged view of the pierced symmetric finial of the patch box.
The following picture shows the patch box in the open position and shows the thumbnail notch in the crescent buttplate. Click here to see a photo taken at a similar angle with the patch box closed.
The next photo provides a view of the right-hand side of the cast brass trigger guard. The transverse metal pin that secures the rear of the trigger guard to the stock is visible near the left-hand edge of the photo. The pin that secures the front of the trigger guard to the stock is hidden by the lock plate.
The next picture provides a view of the commercially produced round tail percussion lock and the mating raised panel of the rifle stock. The rifle is equipped with a double set trigger arrangement, and the head of the trigger adjustment screw is visible between the curved set trigger and the generally straight hair trigger. Click here for an angled view that allows you to peer inside the trigger guard bow and see the triggers and the trigger plate.
The next picture provides an enlarged view of the percussion lock. After the lock plate was cleaned up one can see that the lock is branded "WHITMORE & WOLFF PITTSBURGH". Click here for an enlarged view of the pheasant scene on the tail portion of the lock. Click here for an enlarged view of the forward portion of the lock plate. Click here to see a photo that shows the front of the hollow nose of the hammer is notched. The cylindrical drum is exceptionally close to the rear end of the barrel, and doesn't have a vent screw.
The next photo provides a right-hand view of the fore-end, showing the cross-sectional step-down of the stock just rearward of the brass nosecap. The forward ramrod pipe is visible, along with the pin that retains it to the stock. Also visible is the key that retains the forward end of the barrel to the stock. The ramrod is also visible in this view, and its end is uncapped.
The next picture provides an oblique view of the muzzle. The bore is rifled with six deeply cut grooves, and the muzzle-end of the barrel is decorated with concentric circles. The underside of the nosecap is not grooved for the ramrod.
Photos along the left-hand side of the rifle
The next picture provides an enlarged view of the left-hand rear portion of the rifle, from the buttplate to the ramrod entry pipe.
The next photo provides a rear view of the cast brass buttplate.
The next picture shows the cheekpiece side of the buttstock. Click here to see an oblique view that helps to show the lateral projection of the cheekpiece.
The next picture shows the raised panel for the lock bolt plate. Mr. Miller reports that he is impressed with the quality of the inletting of for the lock bolt plate and the patch box, which provides a tight fit between the metal parts and the wood.
The next image provides an enlarged view of the handsomely engraved lock bolt plate. The lock and the lock bolt plate are retained to the stock by a single threaded fastener. The back side of the lock bolt plate reveals that the lock bolt plate was made from a casting.
The next picture is an oblique view of the adjustable notch-type rear sight. Click here to see a closeup view of the rear sight elevator.
The next picture shows the left-hand side of the brass nosecap and the dovetailed blade-type front sight. The forward-most barrel retention key is also visible. Click here to see an oblique view.
The following picture provides an oblique view of the muzzle and the forward end of the brass nosecap.
Photos along the top side of the rifle
The next picture provides a top view of the extremely pointed breech plug tang.
The next photo shows the barrel inscription, which Mr. Miller and I interpret as "JH". Click here to see a higher resolution view of the inscription.
The next photo provides a top view of the adjustable rear sight.
The next picture provides a top view of the front sight.
Photos along the underside of the rifle
The next photo provides an oblique view of the underside of the trigger guard.
The following image provides a view of the underside of the brass ramrod entry pipe. Click here to see a side view of the stepdown in stock profile at the entry pipe.
The next picture shows a ramrod pipe, which has a cylindrical un-faceted configuration.
For more muzzleloader pictures, go to the Gunsmith Index
The barrel of this antique full-stock percussion era
rifle, which was purchased at an auction up towards the Stoystown/Hooversville area of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, is inscribed "JH" in script. The fact that the rifle came from that area makes me wonder it might have been made by Jacob Horner or John Horner. They lived in that general area, and they happen to be the only two known Somerset County gunsmiths with the initials "JH". John Horner lived in Quemahoning Township and Jacob Horner lived in Quemahoning Township and Jenner Township.
The rifle photos on this page were provided by Stephen Miller of BV Colonial Crafts. The first photo below provides an overall view of the right-hand side of the rifle, which is stocked in well-figured curly maple. The slightly swamped barrel is approximately 39-3/4-inches long, and the bore diameter is approximately 0.350-inch.
The next picture provides an overall view of the left-hand side of this interesting piece of Americana.
The following photo provides a top view of the comb and buttplate, to show the slender tapering configuration of the comb. Click here for an enlarged view of the top portion of the buttplate.
The next picture provides a view of the engraved brass toe plate, which is retained to the stock with three screws. Unlike the stocks on many old muzzleloading rifles, the wood at the toe of this stock is not broken. Click here to see the clever shouldered abutment that was used to strengthen the juncture between the toe plate and the buttplate.
