Many of the photos are at full resolution, to support gesture-based zooming. On a computer, to make the images smaller, reduce the width of the window.
The first photo below provides an over-all view of the right-hand side of this Somerset County rifle, which is fitted with a four-piece patch box. The attractively-proportioned full-length stock appears to have a dark finish.
The next photograph is zoomed in a little, and shows the right-hand side of the rifle from the butt plate to the ramrod entry pipe. The open rear sight is located over the rear end of the ramrod entry pipe. Forward of the lock, the upper portion of the stock has sustained some damage, and presents a roughened edge.
The next picture is zoomed in on the patch box area. The tapering side plates are separated from the lid by exposed portions of the rifle stock. The engraving along the edges of the patch box lid is very similar to Rifle R1. The dashes along some of the edges of the patch box lid are similar to Rifle R3. The general "theme" of the vine-like design on the lid is similar to Rifle R1 and Rifle R3. The dashes on the inner edges of the patch box side plates are similar to Rifle R1 and Rifle R3. The use of dashed line engraving seems to somewhat typical for this gunmaker.
The next photograph is zoomed in on the Q-shaped finial of the patch box. The shape of, and some of the engraving on, the finial are very similar to Rifle R1. The five segment hinge construction is like Rifle R1 and Rifle R3. The finial shape appears to be identical to Rifle R3. The "hash mark" engraving seems to be somewhat of a typical feature for this riflemaker.
The next photo provides a closeup view of the percussion lock and the right-hand side of the trigger guard of this 19th century rifle. The lock is a commercial product, with a conventional rounded-tail lock plate. The fire control mechanism is a double set trigger arrangement. A bit of the rear end of the trigger plate is visible in the wrist area. The drum does not incorporate a vent screw. I don't know as much about locks as I would like to, but to my limited understanding, the lock plate appears to have been drilled for a longer replacement mainspring. The lock panel incorporates one of my favorite regional treatments: A pointed tail that fades into the wrist.
The next image provides a view of the right-hand side of the forearm of this antique full-stock rifle. The locations of three transverse barrel retention pins are clearly visible. The front ramrod pipe appears to be missing.
The next photograph provides an overall view of the left-hand side of the rifle.
The next photo is zoomed in on the portion of the rifle from the butt plate to the ramrod entry pipe. The curl of the wood grain is plainly visible. An object that appears to be the patch box release projects from the belly of the stock.
The next photo is zoomed in farther, to provide a better view of the cheekpiece side of the buttstock, the lock bolt plate, and the mating panel of the rifle stock. The profile of the buttstock is similar to Rifle R2. The profile of the buttstock and the profile of the cheekpiece are nearly identical to Rifle R3. The comb is straight, and well-aligned with the top of the buttplate (not every riflesmith achieved such good alignment). The belly of the stock is ever so slightly concave, and incorporates a toe plate. The toe of the stock appears to be unbroken, which is a rarity on these old guns.
The next photo provides an oblique view of the crescent-shaped butt plate.
The next photo provides a close-up view of the lock bolt plate and the left-hand side of the cast brass trigger guard. The curvature of the set trigger is more pronounced than the curvature of the hair trigger. The lock bolt plate is unengraved, and its periphery is unbeveled. The lock is retained by a single lock bolt. The way the wood "wraps around" the side flats of the breech is similar to Rifle R1. The holes for the cross-pins that secure the trigger guard to the gun stock are visible; the forward pin being located just under the bottom edge of the lock bolt plate. When the lock bolt is removed, the lock bolt plate is still secured to the stock by a small screw.
The next picture is included to provide an oblique view of the double set trigger arrangement. The slot of the lock bolt is somewhat worn from use. The lock bolt plate is substantially flush with the mating panel of the gun stock.
The next photograph provides an oblique view of the pointed breech plug tang, which is secured with a single screw. Surprisingly, the wood in the vicinity of the nipple appears to be in good condition; i.e., not damaged from percussion cap flash.
The next photo shows the entire left-hand side of the forearm.
The next photo shows the left-hand side of the ramrod entry pipe, which is constructed from brass. The hollow front portion of the entry pipe is faceted.
The next picture provides an oblique view of the muzzle and nosecap area of this old caplock rifle. The bore has seven groove cut rifling, and the front of the full-octagon barrel is decorated with a circle of punch marks. The nosecap extends nearly to the muzzle, and is grooved for the ramrod. The silver blade of the dovetailed front sight is also visible. I think it is safe to assume the artificially striped ramrod is a modern replacement.
Explore the Gunsmith Index for photos of other firearms that were produced by riflesmiths from Somerset County, Pennsylvania and neighboring Bedford County.
