Finished 1770s-80s Lancaster Fainot style rifle

[rich pierce]

I am a fan of the work of George Frederick Fainot, a France-born gunsmith who worked in Lancaster Pennsylvania from the 1770s through about 1800. I built a fowling piece based on his work a couple years ago. This build is a rifle based on his earliest known rifle. Not meant to be a true copy but something that could have been made around the same time.

This one has a .54 swamped Rice barrel 44” long, a Chambers Early Ketland lock, and an early wide buttplate. The guard, patchbox, trigger, sideplate, thimbles, and nosecap are custom. Length of pull is 13.25” and weight is 8.5 pounds.

The carving and engraving were executed in the style of Fainot. He cocked his buttplates down on several of his guns so I broke that rule as well. The only imaginary or creative part of the build is an inlay in front of the guard. I imagined Fainot saw a Lehigh rifle with a brass inlay in front of the guard and did one in his own style. Questions, comments, and critiques are welcome.

 

[rich pierce]

Some more photos

 

[TGJaeger]

Beautiful rifle! Don’t know if I’ve ever seen pictures of a Fainot but I am a fan of his now...and yours too, Rich.

 

[rickystl]

Ohhhhh.....Rich: That is a beauty !!! Just love the brass work mounts. Super nice job. Congratulations.

Rick

 

[Bob McBride]

It's awesome RP. I love those quirky guys who did/do it their own way.... Love the captured PB. Super.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Once again, Rich, you have fashioned a superb rifle.

 

[Brokennock]

Beautiful work as always. I really like the tipped down buttplate and the unmarked lock. Flintlock locks have a beauty all their own, they don't always need engraving or stamps.
I see barrel keys instead of pins, does it hava hooked breach?

Only flaw I see is that it is too shiny and clean. If you send it my way I can take care of that for you,. The length of pull is perfect for me, so it would be no trouble to help you out.

 

[rich pierce]

Thanks, all. Fainot and some others used barrel keys even with a fixed breech. Generally on later rifles, but seems consistent on all of Fainot’s known guns.

 

[oreclan]

I am a fan of the work of George Frederick Fainot, a France-born gunsmith who worked in Lancaster Pennsylvania from the 1770s through about 1800. I built a fowling piece based on his work a couple years ago. This build is a rifle based on his earliest known rifle. Not meant to be a true copy but something that could have been made around the same time.

This one has a .54 swamped Rice barrel 44” long, a Chambers Early Ketland lock, and an early wide buttplate. The guard, patchbox, trigger, sideplate, thimbles, and nosecap are custom. Length of pull is 13.25” and weight is 8.5 pounds.

The carving and engraving were executed in the style of Fainot. He cocked his buttplates down on several of his guns so I broke that rule as well. The only imaginary or creative part of the build is an inlay in front of the guard. I imagined Fainot saw a Lehigh rifle with a brass inlay in front of the guard and did one in his own style. Questions, comments, and critiques are welcome.

I also am an admirer of Fainot's work, and yours as well.
How is the patchbox catch/ spring mechanism set up? Can you provide several pictures?

 

[grey8833]

Ditto on the patch box. I have never seen a 2 piece, full skirted, side opening patchbox. That must have been a horrendous cut and fit! Inside pictures please! Latch in particular.

 

[grey8833]

Thanks, all. Fainot and some others used barrel keys even with a fixed breech. Generally on later rifles, but seems consistent on all of Fainot’s known guns.

G. Schroyer for one.

 

[Kansas Jake]

What nice work and a very nice piece. I sure admire those of you who can build these pieces.

 

[rich pierce]

I also am an admirer of Fainot's work, and yours as well.
How is the patchbox catch/ spring mechanism set up? Can you provide several pictures?

Ok you asked for it. The box assembly including hinge, surround, lid, catch latch spring, and opening spring are riveted together in one unit. The hinge pin rests in saddles or bearing blocks riveted to the surround. The catch spring is riveted to the surround and has a hook that holds the end in place between surround and buttplate. The opening spring is riveted to the surround. Lots of rivets.

 

[Speedo]

That is a beautiful rifle all around that patch box is about the nicest I have ever seen great job wow!!