Family rifle 1774? need identification help

[Pianotech70]

Ashmore lock, converted from flint to percussion. been in my family since 1823. There had been an inscription in lead pencil inside the lock that said 1774. 60 inches tall, octagon barrel. any information would be much appreciated. It is in very good condition and has been fired as recently as 1987, but letting it rest now. I believe it is still safe, but why chance it?

 

[Pianotech70]

A closer look in different light, shows an "R" above the Ashmore... NEVER saw that before.

 

[Tanselman]

The single trigger, guard with scrolled rear spur, pointed ball finial on patchbox, and what appears to be a cherry wood stock (?) all suggest a New England rifle. The lock was originally flint as the open screw holes in its face verify. But the single lock bolt suggests the gun was a late flint, which would place its manufacture in the early-to-mid 1820s or later. If the "1823" date is verified in family history, that is about the earliest date for this rifle and may represent when it was acquired. The 1774 date would not refer to the rifle, but perhaps a significant date in the family's history or when the original owner was born.

Is there a history that tells where the family first acquired this rifle, to help us better locate its origin?

Shelby Gallien

 

[Pianotech70]

The single trigger, guard with scrolled rear spur, pointed ball finial on patchbox, and what appears to be a cherry wood stock (?) all suggest a New England rifle. The lock was originally flint as the open screw holes in its face verify. But the single lock bolt suggests the gun was a late flint, which would place its manufacture in the mid-1820s or later. If the "1823" date is verified in family history, that is about the earliest date for this rifle and may represent when it was acquired. The 1774 date would not refer to the rifle, but perhaps a significant date in the family's history or when the original owner was born.

Is there a history that tells where the family first acquired this rifle, to help us better locate its origin?

Shelby Gallien

We were told that it was probably earlier, but what you have said is most likely true. We have no record of when it was purchased, but family stories say it accompanied the family across the Pennsylvania when they moved west. That could have been a year or so after immigrating in 1823. It is pretty certain that the gun was with them from the beginning, and early stories have said that it was used when they acquired it, but there is no way to know that for sure. After much diligent searching, I can find no markings on the barrel of any kind. It was originally browned, and still holds much of the original finish as far as we can tell. It has been examined by experts (who, when, unknown, even qualifications are unknown.. done well before my birth) and declared original and the R Ashmore lock was certified original then... but again, all that can be questioned. New England origin... interesting. My wife is from Maine, her ancestors came over on Mayflower, part of the Gilbert Winslow family. Also, no idea when or by whom it was converted to percussion. Thanks for the info!!

 

[flconch53]

The single trigger, guard with scrolled rear spur, pointed ball finial on patchbox, and what appears to be a cherry wood stock (?) all suggest a New England rifle. The lock was originally flint as the open screw holes in its face verify. But the single lock bolt suggests the gun was a late flint, which would place its manufacture in the early-to-mid 1820s or later. If the "1823" date is verified in family history, that is about the earliest date for this rifle and may represent when it was acquired. The 1774 date would not refer to the rifle, but perhaps a significant date in the family's history or when the original owner was born.

Is there a history that tells where the family first acquired this rifle, to help us better locate its origin?

Shelby Gallien

I think that either theock was on another gun or more likely the stock is not k

The single trigger, guard with scrolled rear spur, pointed ball finial on patchbox, and what appears to be a cherry wood stock (?) all suggest a New England rifle. The lock was originally flint as the open screw holes in its face verify. But the single lock bolt suggests the gun was a late flint, which would place its manufacture in the early-to-mid 1820s or later. If the "1823" date is verified in family history, that is about the earliest date for this rifle and may represent when it was acquired. The 1774 date would not refer to the rifle, but perhaps a significant date in the family's history or when the original owner was born.

Is there a history that tells where the family first acquired this rifle, to help us better locate its origin?

Shelb

 

[flconch53]

I believe the lock currently on the gun was on another gun originally the earlier holes don't seem to line up with the lock screw and I can't see any other holes in the stock. The other possibility is the stock was replaced

 

[smoothshooter]

Ashmore lock, converted from flint to percussion. been in my family since 1823. There had been an inscription in lead pencil inside the lock that said 1774. 60 inches tall, octagon barrel. any information would be much appreciated. It is in very good condition and has been fired as recently as 1987, but letting it rest now. I believe it is still safe, but why chance it?

It does not have the overall appearance of a pre- 1810 - 1815 rifle to me.
As for some of the individual parts, who knows.