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Looks like a modernish replica, with a Siler lock. It's not necessarily a kit gun, though. Originals—in general—were much more refined, with thin lock panels and graceful lines and tapered-and-flared barrels.
Greg,Is there anything about anything you do not know? A published author on Guzzis ... and Harleys! And, as r59 notes, you are also a black-powder whiz, too. FWIW, and there is no connection, I suppose, I live just over a small hill or two from Siler, Virginia, which is a general store with whimsical hours, and T-crossroads, and nothing else. Siler Road is a delight: have some wonderful roads right out of our driveway. See, e.g., this, which begins ˝ mile from where I sit as I type this: http://tinyurl.com/DMVRR-SilerwinderAnyway, thanks to you and others for the info. Figured that, but had no real clue. It is a pretty piece up close, and while probably not as elegant as "the real thing," it still has a balanced heft and lithe look. Suspect ancestor James might have been able to shoot it better than I ever could. :DAs compensation for your consultation, I'll offer a spare bedroom and Guzzis of your choice if you ever get this way. Would hope you'd also show me how make that mantle piece go "Bang!" :DBill
I applaud those who fire flintlocks.
I have an original Edwin Wesson (Massachusetts) half-stock percussion rifle from the latter 1830s. It's in very nice condition but not anywhere near as nice as yours. I have to agree with Rocker; these original long guns were USED! There were no "garage queens". You owned one--you used it, and the wear and tear attendant to such use soon became obvious. The wood stock usually gets the brunt of the dings and nicks. Yours appears to have suffered none of these indignities, so my take is that it's a decorative reproduction. You might take it to a gunsmith and he may be able to confirm the age and authenticity of your long rifle, or at least point you to a colleague who can. The percussion cap was invented around 1803 and flintlocks gradually lost favor to the new ignition style, with protection from the elements and very rapid ignition, unlike a flintlock design. I don't see that the percussion design would cost more than a flintlock. In fact, having less parts it should cost less, or at least the same, resulting in no valid reason to stick to the older design. Still, it was reported that many flintlock die-hards refused to change and were often seen wearing red suspenders, smoking corn-cob pipes, and priming the frizzen pan of their older design locks.Ralph
The percussion cap was invented around 1803 and flintlocks gradually lost favor to the new ignition style, with protection from the elements and very rapid ignition, unlike a flintlock design. I don't see that the percussion design would cost more than a flintlock. In fact, having less parts it should cost less, or at least the same, resulting in no valid reason to stick to the older design. Still, it was reported that many flintlock die-hards refused to change and were often seen wearing red suspenders, smoking corn-cob pipes, and priming the frizzen pan of their older design locks.Ralph
Flints were plentiful in the back woods in much of tube west. Percussion caps were not so plentiful there. That's the main reason flintlocks were still relatively common into the 1830s.Sounds as if you have a very fine weapon. Care to share some pix?
My meager experience with flintlocks has been: load powder, ball, and wad; prime pan. Check flint and striker, cock, pull trigger, squint against flash, smoke, and burning powder embers as the pan ignites (hence the term "flash in the pan). Hold over target as I count 1001 . . 1002 . .100BANG! It never fires on the same count after dropping the hammer, and you have to continue your follow-through on the sheer faith that at some point a ball will launch downrange.Our favorite thing to do with them was stuff them full of powder to within a couple inches of the barrel end, and fire with a wad, only. They send columns of smoke above treetop level, right behind a flaming bit of wad. Made the neighbor's black cats on the 4rth of July seem rather lame. :D