Help identifying precussion lock rifle

[nstabeler]

Hi, I have a precision lock rifle that needs some cleaning up but I want to learn a little about its history.

I'm quite prepared to accept it may be a replica but I think it's real.

I've attached as many pictures as I can and would love some feedback.

I'd also like to know what are the dos and don'ts of cleaning it up.

Thanks team internet

 

[Phil Coffins]

That was a fine gun in its day. First step in cleaning this one is DON’T till you know a lot more!
My uneducated guess is it’s English and maybe a shotgun. Others will give better answers.

 

[Rancocas]

Is it a rifle?
It is a "percussion" lock, not a precision lock.
I am certainly not an expert, but the barrel being octagon to round is often an indication of a smoothbore (think musket or shotgun). Rifles have grooves within the bore of the barrel meant to cause the projectile to spin for better accuracy.
It appears very badly pitted overall, but someone, sometime, had cleaned up much of the rust. I cannot see any markings on it, but they could have been obscured by the pits in the metal.
"Cleaning it up" is often a big NO-NO with original antiques. It could destroy any monetary value. But, if the gun has no great monetary value anyway, then cleaning it up won't do any harm.
This firearm appears too far gone, to me, to ever be brought back to a functioning, shootable condition. Hang in up on a wall as a conversation piece.

 

[user 48679]

Welcome to the forum ! !

You might get a more definitive answer if you posted your question/pics in our Firearms Identification section, as more viewers will likely see it there than here.

 

[sportster73hp]

I second the smoothbore because of the octagon to round. What appears to be extra holes in the lock plate could indicate it was originally a flintlock. The checkering in the wrist could also indicate a higher end gun .

 

[nstabeler]

Is it a rifle?
It is a "percussion" lock, not a precision lock.
I am certainly not an expert, but the barrel being octagon to round is often an indication of a smoothbore (think musket or shotgun). Rifles have grooves within the bore of the barrel meant to cause the projectile to spin for better accuracy.
It appears very badly pitted overall, but someone, sometime, had cleaned up much of the rust. I cannot see any markings on it, but they could have been obscured by the pits in the metal.
"Cleaning it up" is often a big NO-NO with original antiques. It could destroy any monetary value. But, if the gun has no great monetary value anyway, then cleaning it up won't do any harm.
This firearm appears too far gone, to me, to ever be brought back to a functioning, shootable condition. Hang in up on a wall as a conversation piece.

Thank you. Yes I've just seen the evil auto correct.

This was purchased by my stepfather who sadly passed away last year. He was an antique dealer in his time and we don't know where or when he got this but we'd love to know more about it. I'm not convinced it is worth much but just knowing what it is and maybe, if it's not a replica, find out what it's likely to have been used for.

 

[nstabeler]

I second the smoothbore because of the octagon to round. What appears to be extra holes in the lock plate could indicate it was originally a flintlock. The checkering in the wrist could also indicate a higher end gun .

That's great thank you. I'm not expecting it to be worth much but the history fascinates me. I'm going to post it on the identification thread as well, as suggested above. Thank you