I HAVE NO CLUE? Looking for any help

[Bud326]

My Dad passed away and I received some of his collection. He loved muzzle loading guns. Him and I built a few. This was given to him by a friend long ago. No marks of any kind except for some numbers on the barrel. Even after taking the wood pieces off, nothing? Maybe a "one off"? Really weird hammer design as well. Never seen this. Looking for help. Thanks.

 

[ppg1949]

Whatever it is it is very interesting. It looks to have some age to it. If you find out more info please share it. Good luck.

 

[deerstalkert]

when i first saw your gun i thought of the Wessons. DB of smith and wesson fame, Edwin and Frank. looked a bit and couldn't find a match for yours but close.

 

[TDM]

Sorry for your loss.

That is a really neat rifle, the wood is very nice. I've never seen one like it, but the answers out there. I do know a number of companies experimented with the enclosed hammers. With the butt plate style I'd say it was made between 1855 to 1870. Just my guess.

 

[hawkenhunter50]

I don't know what the rifle is, but wanted to say sorry for the loss of your Father.

 

[Phil Coffins]

The box lock action is simple and effective way to build a gun, it would appear that a few where made. If no other marks can be found on it then I’d think it is American made.

 

[deerstalkert]

man i hate being old.
somewhere in the vast void i call my mind is a niggling thought that there was a maker that punched four dots under their serial numbers.
suppose i will sit up in bed tonight and shout " that's who it is". the rest of the night i will spend researching as i won't be welcome in bed anymore.

 

[BoomStick]

The box lock has some similarities to Allen & Thurber pistols that I've seen in photos. Of course similar doesn't mean made by, but could be a maker of the same period. Is the left side of the lock one casting with the barrel? I see the cover on the right, but no seam appears visible on the left.

 

[ernbar]

No clue about the rifle, Sorry for your loss. I was very close to my dad and even though he left us a long time ago, I still miss him every day.

 

[Trapper53]

Sorry for your loss, i lost my dad in 2014 and I to, miss him daily. The rifle is interesting. It will be nice to find out.
Merry Christmas to everyone

 

[2 shots]

hi, just might be a prototype for any of the similar rifles out there . sorry for your loss.

 

[Bud326]

The box lock has some similarities to Allen & Thurber pistols that I've seen in photos. Of course similar doesn't mean made by, but could be a maker of the same period. Is the left side of the lock one casting with the barrel? I see the cover on the right, but no seam appears visible on the left.

Yes. It is one casting. No seems or disconnection

 

[hanshi]

That rifle appears unique in my experience; never have seen one even similar. Looks fine to me and rather ingenious in design.

 

[Bud326]

My Dad passed away and I received some of his collection. He loved muzzle loading guns. Him and I built a few. This was given to him by a friend long ago. No marks of any kind except for some numbers on the barrel. Even after taking the wood pieces off, nothing? Maybe a "one off"? Really weird hammer design as well. Never seen this. Looking for help. Thanks.

More photos inside the lock and other side of barrel.

 

[TDM]

Very clean action there. Simple and looks strong.

 

[hrt4me]

The sideplate and a few parts of the internal action remind me of the Allen & Thurber pepperboxes of 1837 and 1845...

 

[Clint Meier]

Sorry for the loss of your father Bud326! It hurts, I know. The parts almost all look to have been sand-cast in iron/steel, very unusual, for sure!

 

[1BadDart]

Looks like it's been sand or bead blasted. Cool rifle though.