In my father’s safe. . .

[YellowCanary]

Hello all,

Brand new member here. First post.

I registered on this forum to see if anyone here could tell me a little about these 2 old rifles my family has had. Passed down and no information about them maintained. I’d love to know the history of them, and if I could restore them to a functional state. As in, would you recommend attempting it?

Thanks in advance.

I have a budding interest in muzzleloaders, mostly Kentucky style rifles due to the colonial/revolutionary war history.

That, and I was a Marine artillery officer. I guess those were technically breech loaders. . .but similar concept!

 

[YellowCanary]

 

[Brazos John]

Very cool!
I'll be watching this thread to see what comes of these old guns.
Thanks for showing us!

 

[necchi]

Short story?
Your Father had a couple antiques "in his safe" for a reason, that may have value beyond "can I shoot them".
I'd advise seeking someone in your area that has knowledge of these types of arms.
This forum is good, but without hands on,, no-one can tell ya.

 

[Thagomizer]

Henry Leman made muzzleloaders well into the cartridge era. Stock cracks are problematic.
I would find an appropriate lock for the one and hang it on the wall. Don't forget to check for ancient loads with a ramrod. Bores look like they could use some oil. Just my 2 cents.

 

[VA Hawken]

Welcome from Winchester, VA!

Nice old rifles you have there.

 

[The Crisco Kid]

Probably not restorable for much shooting and there is always the chance of botching the job unless a very skilled restorer does it. Good advise about finding a lock to replacing the missing one. I really like the back action Leman rifle. My ancestors rifle is a back action half stock 40 caliber without any markings on it. Here's a photo of it you can compare to yours.

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

Oil them and hang them on the wall and enjoy them. They were both built 1870 ish and don't have a tremendous value other than sentimental. You're looking at $300-$400 each tops. Most likely the restoration to shooting condition will cost more than they are worth.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Good replies so far. But, to me, they look possibly restorable. You need someone expert to check them out. If the bores are bad they can probably be rebored and rerifled.

 

[YellowCanary]

Gentlemen,

These responses are immensely helpful. Thanks for the information so far. I’m going to find a local gunsmith for further evaluation.

 

[YellowCanary]

And I should also ask: the guns are in Fort Worth. Does anyone have a recommendation for someone in the area?

 

[YellowCanary]

Looks like the standard lock on this one might be a fit.

http://redaviscompany.com/0221.html

 

[user 31232]

Welcome from Indiana

 

[Buckskinquin]

Get involved in the hobby and restore and shoot them. I have a back action Golcher lock 50 cal. Smoothbore that my father found while exploring some new property and buildings mid 1950’s. Broken stock, no drum, no trigger guard. Cleaned up leaned on our fireplace for 45 years until I restocked the barrel and lock, installed a new English breech plug, trigger and trigger guard. Will admit, first couple of shots the rifle was strapped to a table. 23 years later, still shooting it. Unless there are visible cracks in the barrel, breech, or a worn drum/nipple hole. Barrel bore condition may be a concern, but I’ve seen plenty of rifles with less than perfect bores doing OK at the range. Being involved with the sport and other Black Powder enthusiasts will give you direction to follow with these beauties.

 

[French Colonial]

And I should also ask: the guns are in Fort Worth. Does anyone have a recommendation for someone in the area?

You are not looking for the modern gunsmith that works on AR's and 1911's, you are looking for a specialist that only does work on muzzleloading rifles.

Look for someone who has the ability (and has) to make a muzzleloading rifle, that is the person you need if you want them restored correctly. If you can not find him, leave them alone until you can.

There are plenty of them around, you just have to start traveling in their circles, Friendship national matches and other places where they congregate,

 

[Uncle Miltie]

What is the name on the top flat of the barrel?

 

[Buckskinquin]

Here are the Muzzleloading clubs in Texas, 2 near Dallas. Reach out to them with your project.

 

[Whiteoak15]

I believe that restoring , if possible, is the way to go as once an antique is gone, it is lost forever.

 

[YellowCanary]

What is the name on the top flat of the barrel?

It looks like it says “D. J. White” but I’m not sure. 19th century engraved cursive is not my forté.

 

[YellowCanary]

Here are the Muzzleloading clubs in Texas, 2 near Dallas. Reach out to them with your project.

Thanks!