The presence of a full-stock style of ramrod entry pipe indicates that the stock was converted to half-stock at some point, at which time the pewter nose cap would have been added. The barrel was shortened to 31-inches and a ramp-type adjustable rear sight was added.
The underside of the stock near the lock was damaged by a broken lock spring and repaired with a brass strip. A bent-over nail helps to secure the rear of the lock. A piece of wood is reportedly serving as a replacement barrel key.
The Bedford County rifle pictures on this web page were provided by Jim McKenzie. The first photo below shows the right-hand side of the rifle, which is mounted with set triggers and a traditional Bedford County lock that includes a graceful Bedford County-style percussion hammer. The photo also shows that the stock once mounted a gourd-shaped wrist inlay just rearward of the lock. The photo also shows the right-hand side of the adjustable rear sight.
The next image is an excerpt from the preceding image. A red arrow identifies the location of the missing wrist inlay. The outline of the inlay and the holes from the nails that retained the inlay are visible. The rat tail of the graceful Bedford County-style percussion lock plate is also visible.
The next photo shows the engraved escutcheon that is located on the top of the wrist, just behind the tang. The photo also shows that the rifle has the pointed tang that is common to rifles produced in the area.
The next picture features the nicely engraved five-piercing patch box, which has the Q-shaped finial that is frequently seen on Bedford County rifles.
The next photo shows the patchbox with the lid open.
The next photo features the slender engraved Bedford County-style rat tail percussion lock, which bears the initials of John Amos. At some point, the lock spring failed and broke out the bottom of the stock. The stock damage has been repaired with a carefully shaped brass strip. The rear of the lock plate is constrained with a bent nail.
The next photo provides an overview of the left-hand side of the John Amos rifle. The presence of the ramrod entry pipe suggests that the stock was originally full length. This picture shows the left-hand side of the rear sight, and provides a nice overall view of the profile of the buttstock.
The next photo provides a closeup view of the nicely engraved lock bolt plate, which has countersunk screw holes.
The next photo provides a closeup view of the cheekpiece inlay and its eagle engraving. It appears that someone punched their initials (possibly "I.T." or "L.T.") into the medallion.
The next photo features the relief carving rearward of the cheekpiece.
The next photo features the ramrod entry pipe of the John Amos percussion rifle.
The next photo provides a top view of the adjustable rear sight. The owner of the rifle reports that it is mounted on top of the barrel signature.
The next photo features the left-hand side of the forearm of the John Amos percussion rifle.
The next picture shows the engraved toe plate on the buttstock of the John Amos rifle.
For photos of other Bedford County long rifles, and biographical information about the gunsmiths who made them, visit the Gunsmith Index.
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