ID help- PA style rifle signed "J.Rate" or "J.Bate"

[dunmore1774]

Hello, I would appreciate help any leads on the maker of this rifle or what school this may be. It is 57" overall- barrel is 42", appears to be just under .50 cal. Wood seems to be curly maple. Brass patchbox, toeplate, and brass piece on check side of butt, and plate under forestock. Silver like inlays- large half moon on cheek side of butt, small oval escutcheon, and eight semi cricles (four along each side of the stock extending along barrel.
Barrel is signed "J Rate" or "J Bate" with asterisk style star in between.
Let me know if any more pics or info needed. (and don't mind my toes and that my floor needs swept
Thanks for any assistance
Doug

 

[dunmore1774]

more pics

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Pretty sure the rifle is post 1865, and I'm thinking 20th century built. But it might be older, so moving to the Antique Firearms section.

LD

 

[OLUT]

It looks like an "Upper Susquehanna" style gun. Both Sellers' and Whisker' books list a JACOB RATE as a gunsmith in White Deer, Pa.... which I think is in Union County, so MAYBE he is your builder.. You might try doing a bit of research on him to verify.