Flintlock Info

[TarponStalker]

Once again I need the help from those that have extensive knowledge of flintlock rifles old and new. This time it is for a friend.
An old friend of mine passed away earlier this year. His wife is considering selling some of his guns. One of which is a .45 cal flint longrifle that she had built for him at least 25-30 years ago. The builder's name is VanDiver (sp??) Maybe from KY.
I asked her not to do anything until I can ask for information about this gun as I have heard of some that take advantage of situations like this. I may get a chance to get more information about the rifle this week but wanted to see if anyone here knows about the builder or his guns. I do not think he is still living but not sure about that either.
Is anyone familiar with this builder or his guns?
Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[TarponStalker]

I was able to bring this rifle home today so I can try to take and post some pictures. Unfortunately she thought it would sell better if she ground off her husband's name that was engraved on the barrel. Thought nobody would want a gun with another's name on it. She was able to get through the browning but did not disturb the engraving. I am going to try to rebrown this area to get it as close to original color. I hope I can fix it for her.
This is a beautiful rifle with some nice inlays and relief carving on the butt section. I am hoping to help her by providing as much info as possible. BTW, the builder's name looks more like VanDivier. It is hard to read but is inscribed in small letters.
I hope to use my son's digital camera today and try to learn how to post pics on here. I already created an account for photobucket and it doesn't look too hard to do.

 

Just what is it you're trying to find out about the rifle?

 

[TarponStalker]

Doug,
I am trying to find any info I can get on this gun. I don't know if it was made by someone that built a handful of rifles as a hobby or by someone that built many guns during that time. The main thing is that she has asked me a value and I don't know. She has aleady had two people make offers but in my opinion they were trying to steal it from her as one of the offers was $100! The guy said he may be able to resell it for $200. I told her guns like this could be worth anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand. I know much depends on the workmanship and the builder's reputation.

Hopefully the pictures show with this post (my first try.) The blue you see on the barrel is some painters tape I used to isolate the bad place on the barrel flat thet needs to be rebrowned. I wanted to use something that wouldn't damage the stock.

 

[TarponStalker]

OK.
I'll try again. I tried to add the entire album and pasted the wrong URL. I'll just send 1 at a time.

 

[TarponStalker]

Here's another.

 

[saber]

do not know the maker but parts look like some from Dixie GunWorks from the 70s I have use the same parts, gun looks well made, deer carving? but nice wood and fit and engraveing can not see it well best place to sell would be on Gunbroker, there you can set a reserve on it, so it will not go for a lower price then you are looking for

 

[gifford]

Tarpon Stalker - nice looking rifle. Have you dropped a bore light into the barrel to check the condition? How well does the lock function, the spark and do the triggers work as they should. I would say the potential buyer would be interested in it as a shooter and hunting rifle; it would also look good on the wall of the 'man cave' or above the mantle.
Just my thoughts, G

 

[45flint]

more information on barrel, such as length, width would be helpfull

 

[Zonie]

Although I don't know the builder I would say he was not one of the best around.

Although the gun seems to be fairly well made there are a few things that could have been done better.

If I were to put what I think is a fair retail price on it it would be somewhere around $600-$800 if the barrels bore was in good shape.

 

[Tom Compton]

Interesting rifle.

Any information on maker of any parts? Barrel is usually marked on the bottom flat. Someone else asked about measurement across the flats and caliber.

Looks like a Siler lock but I am no expert there.

 

[TarponStalker]

Thanks for the input everyone. I haven't looked down the bore but I think I may have been the last person to shoot this gun and that was at least 10 years ago. I cleaned it thoroughly then but doubt it has been oiled since. Don't know since it was at their home. I'll bet it hasn't been fired 20 times total though.
The barrel is 44 inches long (.45 cal)and looks to be about 13/16 or 7/8 in diameter and straight. It has a flash hole drilled and beveled with no liner.
I know most builders put their name on the bottom barrel flat but this one is on the lock and top flat. I don't want to remove the barrel to check underneath for more info. I assume this is the builder (VanDivier). I have never seen a rifle with deer as relief carving on the butt.

I am having a tough time fixing the barrel browning. I used denatured alchohol to degrease but there are small areas that don't seem to want to rust. I will leave it on a little longer this time before carding. She was so upset at what she had done that I really want to fix it if I can before returning it to her.

 

[saber]

hi sir as above 500-800 which is most likly top dollor is a good starting price for the gun as a shooter