First build

[vajumperdude]

Well, I just ordered TOTW's H.E. Leman trade rifle. The catalogue said it is the reccomended build for the first time rifle builder. I have been searching around online for pictures, but I am not turning many results. Did the trade rifle have any decorative carvings on it? I have been carving furniture for years and would love to dress the piece up, but I am also big into historical accuracy.
Thanks,
Tom

 

[44-henry]

Most trade rifles were very plain, if you want to stay totally authentic with your Leman, it probably wouldn't have been carved at the factory. There are some good pictures of original Lemans on the net if you do a search for them.

 

[Zonie]

vajumperdude:
Alex is quite correct in his statement about the Leman rifles.
That said, it is your gun and you are the builder so if you want carvings on it I say "go for it".

I can't give you any good rules to go by except to say that the modern carved birds, bears, elk, squirrels and deer are probably not appropriate at all.
Twisted vines, leaves, and similar things composed of C scrolls and S scrolls from the late 18th century might be a better choice as I'm sure folks living in the early 1800's were very familiar with them.
As they represent Nature which was a popular theme back then they might look very nice.

As many of Leman's guns were designed to be sold to the Indians, some Indian style of carving might also look nice and at the same time be quite appropriate.

Have fun with your new kit

 

[Old40Rod]

Make sure you post photos... I am thinking about a Leman after I finish my Tenn Mt

Here is a photo of a .45 Leman Chief Joseph used for subsistence hunting.

http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/exhibits/nepe/exb/contact_change/1877War/NEPE9741(2)_Rifle-Detail.html

I'm lucky enough to have seen it up close in the Nez Perce museum display.