Help with ID of Italian rifle

[geeber]

I need some help identifying a 50 cal percussion rifle. Markings simply say Italy black powder, with the typical proof marks and date code of XX9 = 1973. There is a maker mark, see the attached photo. It has a 28" octagon barrel, "easy open" brass patchbox, case hardened lock, double set triggers with brass trigger guard. ???

 

[Britsmoothy]

All I could find is this.

Mavi di Salvinelli.

Maybe associated with Famars.

Looks in excellent condition.

 

[Cowboy]

Do you have any pics of the whole rifle my friend?

Respectfully, Cowboy

 

[bubba.50]

Sounds like the typical Eye-talian ‘Hawken’ but as Cowboy said, more pix would help.

 

[geeber]

this help? sorry, my images keep getting rotated vertically....

 

[Cowboy]

Oh! I’ve seen those before. They don’t show up as much as they use to. Use to see them on GB from time to time.

If my memory serves me correctly, I’m thinking Investarm made them a long time ago?

Respectfully, Cowboy

 

[bubba.50]

Investarms. Under the Lyman name they were called ‘The Plains Rifle’.


Not to be confused with the current production ‘Great Plains Rifle’.

 

[Cowboy]

Bingo!

 

[bubba.50]

By the way, that appears to be a fine specimen right there.

As a lad I used to salivate over these in my uncle’s Gander Mountain catalog which was about the size of a comic book. And thought to myself if I just had one’a those rifles & a set of buckskins I’d be a real-life, rootin’ tootin’ straight shootin’ mountain man for sure. LOL

 

[Britsmoothy]

The makers logo is MAVI.
It could easily be a predecessor to investarm as they have I believe a different logo.

 

[dragnetbill]

this help? sorry, my images keep getting rotated vertically....

Looks like the picture associated to Lymans Plains Rifle in the New 2nd Edition of Black Powder Gun Digest (1977).
If correct that could fit with Nate's call; pre-InvestArms Lyman.

 

[budcatoe]

It's also in the 1982 Gun Digest Loading Manual by Sam Fadala as the Lyman Plains Rifle. My Cabela's Hawken by Investarms looks like this rifle, except the patch box is different. The Lyman Trade Rifle is also essentially the same rifle with no patch box and with primitive sights.

 

[geeber]

Thanks to everyone for their input on this.

 

[geeber]

The folks at Investarms in Marcheno, Italy confirmed your suspicions! Thanks again for the info.....

 

[Britsmoothy]

The folks at Investarms in Marcheno, Italy confirmed your suspicions! Thanks again for the info.....

Can you elaborate?

 

[geeber]

I sent an email to Investarms (the email address from their website) along with a photo of the barrel markings of my rifle, asking them if it was a product produced by them. Their response was "I confirm you that this muzzleloading is our." After receiving that response, I looked at their current product line. I found that my rifle, which was produced in 1973 (date code XX9), looks very much like a current model #120A.

 

[Cowboy]

I sent an email to Investarms (the email address from their website) along with a photo of the barrel markings of my rifle, asking them if it was a product produced by them. Their response was "I confirm you that this muzzleloading is our." After receiving that response, I looked at their current product line. I found that my rifle, which was produced in 1973 (date code XX9), looks very much like a current model #120A.

No one can say ya didn’t do your homework! I’m impressed my friend. Good job!!

Respectfully, Cowboy

 

[Loyalist Dave]

The finish looks quite good on that barrel. I hope she shoots well for you. POST a test target, please, when the Spring thaw comes and you can get to the range ??

LD

 

[geeber]

The finish looks quite good on that barrel. I hope she shoots well for you. POST a test target, please, when the Spring thaw comes and you can get to the range ??

LD

Actually Dave.... won't be shot by me. Listing for sale in the next few...