1800's Flintlock rifle help.

[jaztaz77]

Good day. I am trying to get as much date and history about an old Flintlock Rifle. It is marked with G. Goulcher on the lock area. I have attched as many images As I could that shows as much detail as possible.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

So that's a really nice piece, but I've move it to the identification section since you're looking for information about it.

LD

 

[nchawkeye]

First, it’s a percussion, not a flintlock.

 

[jaztaz77]

Good to know. Thanks for the info. I have begun to read up on the difference and stuff.

 

[Rancocas]

Well, as nchawkeye said; "It is a percussion, not a flintlock.
Goulcher locks were mass produced through the mid 1800's and shipped all over the country for individual gunsmiths to use in building new rifles.
It is hard to tell from your photos, but it appears to be a small bore and a half stock - something that says "Ohio rifle" to me. That is a style, not a state or region. Sometimes called a "buggy rifle".
The low stock comb looks to be similar to the Bedford style of Pennsylvania, but the trigger guard looks southern to me.
The narrow and deeply curved buttplate also looks southern to me.
It has double set triggers which are nice.
I like the side plate, and note that it only has one lock bolt.
Brass repair to the stock behind the breech.

Any markings on the barrel?

Hey, back around 25-30 years ago I knew the port director there in Sault St. Marie. Bruce ***. I wonder if he is still around. He would be in his mid 70's now. I think the Sault was his hometown.

 

[jaztaz77]

It was given to my Grandfather, Fred Zimmerman, and I was told it came from a family in Ohio named Bebee.. They were part of a group called "Sons of the Revolution" if my info is correct.

 

[Rancocas]

It was given to my Grandfather, Fred Zimmerman, and I was told it came from a family in Ohio named Bebee.. They were part of a group called "Sons of the Revolution" if my info is correct.

I know some Zimmerman's in the Detroit area.
"Sons of the American Revolution" (SAR) is a national organization of descendants of Revolutionary War veterans. I am a member.
There is also the "Daughters of the American Revolution". (DAR) My wife is a member.

You might try to find a picture of a Vincent rifle, and compare its looks with your rifle.

 

[nchawkeye]

Give a full length picture as well as a picture of the right side of the butt stock, where the patch box is..

 

[Flintandsteel]

Definitely a later 1800’s rifle. Very hard to identify with no makers marks etc.
Vincent rifles, are considered the “standard” of Ohio rifles. This rifle has pretty much zero resemblance of a Vincent.
This does not mean it’s not an Ohio rifle, just not a Vincent.
Are there any other identifying marks? Stamping, numbers, engraving, etc.

 

[Oldbear63]

By the way...
Assume its loaded! Check! A ramrod or other stick or dowell should run down to the end of the barrel and when placed alongside of the barrel it should show that the ramrod went all the way down to the end.

 

[Uncle Miltie]

Your rifle looks a lot like the work of some of the gunsmiths in the Columbiana County area of Ohio, possibly that of Samuel Small. More photos needed.

 

[jaztaz77]

Here are some more photos. Thanks for all the info and advice yall !

 

[Uncle Miltie]

Looks like the rifle in my profile picture!

 

[user 31232]

Here are some more photos. Thanks for all the info and advice yall !

Slender and sweet like I use to be