Post by hawkeyes on Nov 6, 2021 7:43:56 GMT -7
I've known an elder individual for awhile who wanted me to aquire these three original caplocks he had in his possession. His exact world's to me were to come over, get these guns, clean them up, enjoy them and go kill some squirrel!
Very blessed to have the opportunity to look over these pieces. All three are in very good shape given their age. The oldest of the three by my best guess is the bottom rifle. I haven't had much time to dive into these pieces to nail the makers but both rifles were made in Cincinnati. Someone "tried" to fix a few things on the top rifle at one time and botched the repairs... Which I will correct and do right. The pistol is a hook breech, very nice engravings with a walnut stock. I will update with further findings and progress later when time allows.
However I was able to address the lock on the top rifle in the images, which has a typical late English style and faint hand engravings which appear to be two quail with other faint scroll works. I cannot make out a maker other than a faint lower case "n" forward of the hammer on the bottom section of the lock plate. Reverse side of the plate yields no stampings or maker marks minus an upper case "A" on the sear and bridle. Mainspring is in good shape, not worn and has plenty of power to send the hammer falling. Minus pitting the lock cleaned up very well and functions just as I expected it would.
Of the two rifles I believe this one will be in fine serviceable shape. I haven't put a micrometer to the bores yet but I'm praying my newly acquired antique mold will yield a proper ball!
Very blessed to have the opportunity to look over these pieces. All three are in very good shape given their age. The oldest of the three by my best guess is the bottom rifle. I haven't had much time to dive into these pieces to nail the makers but both rifles were made in Cincinnati. Someone "tried" to fix a few things on the top rifle at one time and botched the repairs... Which I will correct and do right. The pistol is a hook breech, very nice engravings with a walnut stock. I will update with further findings and progress later when time allows.
However I was able to address the lock on the top rifle in the images, which has a typical late English style and faint hand engravings which appear to be two quail with other faint scroll works. I cannot make out a maker other than a faint lower case "n" forward of the hammer on the bottom section of the lock plate. Reverse side of the plate yields no stampings or maker marks minus an upper case "A" on the sear and bridle. Mainspring is in good shape, not worn and has plenty of power to send the hammer falling. Minus pitting the lock cleaned up very well and functions just as I expected it would.
Of the two rifles I believe this one will be in fine serviceable shape. I haven't put a micrometer to the bores yet but I'm praying my newly acquired antique mold will yield a proper ball!
