Hoping for information about a rifle

[Florida343]

This rifle was passed down to me from my father and it may go back further in my family. (I was two years old when he passed and never had the chance to learn) I was compiling information about my collection for my sons and I realized I know next to nothing about this rifle. It is a percussion, rifled muzzleloader, with an octagonal barrel. It appears to be ~.40 cal. It has brass furniture and the stock looks to be handmade. There are no makers marks or any identification marks on the rifle. I would love to know the approximate age and if anyone knows of any information about it's origins. Thanks for looking.

 

[sheriff john]

Well, it's a nice, old, well-worn rifle very typical of what folks used during the 19th (and, in some areas, well into the 20th centuries) every day. The smaller caliber was also common and if it has been freshed out, it still had a lot of "life" left. The front action lock was always a percussion lock, but the barrel ..who knows, may have been converted. What I see is contemporary with it's age.

Some prefer fancy-dancy, mint, unfired engraved, elaborate patchbox rifles, I like just what you have - an honest old hog rifle we wish could talk. Fun stuff. Thanks for posting.

 

[Rancocas]

I am certainly far from being an expert, however I will throw in my 2 cents and say that to me your rifle says "southern Appalachian with a Carolina influence. And I will guess mid to late 1800's. It's the trigger guard that makes me think of the Carolinas. But being a half stock, I think it might also descend from the mid-west. The deeply curved butt plate is seen both in southern mountain/Tennessee rifles and also in "Ohio" rifles, such as the well-known "Vincent rifle".
Well, except for that trigger guard, I'm leaning more to the mid-west. The pewter nose cap is an influencer, too.

So, now let's hear from the real experts. I'm curious if I'm anywhere near correct.

 

[Rudyard]

I am certainly far from being an expert, however I will throw in my 2 cents and say that to me your rifle says "southern Appalachian with a Carolina influence. And I will guess mid to late 1800's. It's the trigger guard that makes me think of the Carolinas. But being a half stock, I think it might also descend from the mid-west. The deeply curved butt plate is seen both in southern mountain/Tennessee rifles and also in "Ohio" rifles, such as the well-known "Vincent rifle".
Well, except for that trigger guard, I'm leaning more to the mid-west. The pewter nose cap is an influencer, too.

So, now let's hear from the real experts. I'm curious if I'm anywhere near correct.

Sorry I cant help I don't do the Hog rifles. had one .I think was Switzer of Greenville no barrel or lock but restored it .with a 40 call brl .A note under the butt plate read' Traded one Hamilton rifle for one hair trigger rifle and horn & mould to Helmer Wolf by Homer Magato. Nov Sunday 1917 written on A Versailes Garage note paper Versaills Ohio. for' Speedmans Tires ' Rudyard all I can say re Hog rifles nice to think it was seen or shot againest Anny Mozzeen AKA Anney Oackley from near by something Gurnsey ? Dell . .where it documentable be a big fillip for the friend I gave it too .He likes that sort . Rudyard

 

[flconch53]

I thought Vincent at first glance. Do you know where your family is from

 

[Eric Krewson]

Just a guess as are all of my observations of older guns. The lock appears to be a percussion shotgun lock, the fact that it doesn't cradle the drum may indicate this. The lock inletting is good and the lock appears to be original to the rifle. I think someone built it with whatever parts they had and did a pretty good job of it.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Just a guess as are all of my observations of older guns. The lock appears to be a percussion shotgun lock, the fact that it doesn't cradle the drum may indicate this. The lock inletting is good and the lock appears to be original to the rifle. I think someone built it with whatever parts they had and did a pretty good job of it.

Agreed what they could find or afford. NOTE the gap between the under-barrel rib and the barrel, and the fact that the edges of the rib are on the outside of the bottom barrel flat. That was meant for a round barrel not octagon.

Looks in very good condition. IF the lock is operational, I bet a good cleaning of the barrel and a new nipple = shootable.

You did check to see if it was loaded, right???

LD