Help with identity, percussion gun belived to be a converted flintlock

[Handy_man91]

I'm a member of Texas hunting forum and was recommended this group to see what I have here, and hopefully try to get a ballpark value on it. Below is my copied post from THF, sorry if it's a little out of context but a PITA to type out again.

"I want to sell this but don't know where to start, recently pick up from another member, his opinion on it was 1200$ range. I don't have any local shops that specialize in old stuff so any input would be great. Im failry certain based on information relayed to me that this was an 1820s era "Ohio long rifle" that was converted to percussion caps some 50 years later. I was told The conversion is a neff brothers lock work, but the only markings I can make out on the rifle are "brothers & co" , I was told it's 45 caliber. But I haven't verified. I'm not looking to sell on this post, just looking for opinions on value. Appreciate y'all's help. Googling this thing has been difficult due to the conversion."

 

[Handy_man91]

More photos

 

[Handy_man91]

And more for good measure

 

[Eric Krewson]

I don't see any evidence that it has been converted to percussion from a flintlock, no extra holes in the front of lock plate filled or otherwise. The gun looks a bit southern to me.

 

[Handy_man91]

I got it in a bulk deal with modern items, I know nothing of muzzle loaders. Just relaying what I was told, could all be BS as far as I know

 

[user 48679]

Welcome to the board ! !

The barrel has what appears to be British "ratchet" rifling from the 1850's, and the wrist repair was quite common from that same timeframe.

It could have been brought to the US by an immigrant, or the barrel ordered by an American gunsmith for building a rifle.

It was quite common for American gunsmiths to purchase locks, triggers & barrels, etc for their build if they didn't have convenient way to produce the parts themselves, or wanted faster methods for making a gun.

I would think the value would be what someone would be willing to pay for it ( $1200, +/-, mostly minus)

 

[Kansas Jake]

Absolutely not an expert but the lock does appear to have been altered as Eric noted. It may have replaced an original flintlock. I too think $1200 might be a little steep.

 

[Tanselman]

The rifle's stock and barrel appear American-made, and the wide triggers and side plate style suggest a PA rifle. The lock is not the original lock on this rifle based on: 1) the lock's cutout for the percussion side lug is shaped too poorly around/under the side lug and provides only partial support for it; 2) the lock's front nose has been heavily filed/beveled along both top and bottom edges and "filed to fit" the old mortise. In addition, the plugged forward bolt hole in the side plate on the back side of the gun suggests the original lock used two lock bolts, so may well have been a late flintlock.

These undecorated & unidentified rifles, particularly with a broken/repaired wrist and poorly figured stock wood, will probably not sell for more than $800. The fact that it's a full-stock helps the gun, but not being identified hurts the gun. You should look closely for a faint/worn gunmaker's signature or initials on top of the barrel several inches behind the rear sight. Since there is some limited engraving on the top barrel flat, the gun may have been signed originally. If any trace of a name or initials can be seen, take a couple of good photos and repost them. We may be able to figure them out, even if they don't make sense to you. It would help value and make the gun easier to sell.

Shelby Gallien

 

[Colonial Boy]

I’d add to Shelby’s post, that the lock is certainly a replacement for the reasons stated and a look at the side plate will show that who ever inlet that plate didn’t fit the current lock.

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
I agree with Shelby. The original lock was replaced when it was converted to percussion. It could be southern PA but that side plate reminds me of George Kreps in Maryland.

dave