is it original

[jbock]

hi all; ive been trying to figure out if this rifle is original any help on i.d. would be apprieciated. thanks johnny http://s1111.photobucket.com/albums/h479/jbock1/

 

[JV Puleo]

no

 

[flintlock75]

No.
It should have a name on the barrel.

 

[JV Puleo]

I apologize for my terse response. I was in a hurry last night.
The parts look to be commonly available reproductions and the shaping of the stock is off... by that I mean it has a slightly awkward look that isn't likely to be seen in an original. But, there is no reason to think it had to be signed - many original rifles weren't.

 

jbock,
I have to agree, I don't think it is an original. The metal is in awfully good condition to have any age on it. I believe that someone aged the metal parts, and did a pretty good job color wise. The wood is also in to good a condition. Someone has tried to create an original, whether as a forgery or just wanting an aged rifle is the question.
Mark

 

[Snakebite]

I had an ex-brother-in-law who had a rifle looking very much like it, that rifle was a Green River Rifle Works Leman trade rifle. Can't say it was exactly like that because I haven't seen it in 30 years, but to the best of my recollection, that is what this rifle is. Could be wrong though.

 

[jbock]

thank you everyone for your input. i dident think it was an original piece, but i had to check it out. got it from my mother in law . it belonged to her late husband who told her it was an original. and actually i was thrown off by a few things. i have three hawkins rifles from three different companies and this gun is definetly different. there is no brass on this one, its all steel plus no manufacturer marks and the rifling is cut much deeper. also it looks older and another guy told me the sight system is definetly old. thanks again to everyone. does any body know what the realistic value is? dont hurt my feelings to bad!!!! well go ahead i want the truth;;;

 

[John Wasmuth]

Might be a good idea to take it to a real appraiser. Easier to tell if they can actually inspect it.

 

[Zonie]

Might be a good idea to take it to a real appraiser. Easier to tell if they can actually inspect it.

jbock
Just rememember if you take it to a "real appraiser" most of them are nothing more than folks who buy and sell guns for a living so the price estimate may well be worth only about half of its real value on the market.

 

[John Wasmuth]

Some not all, some actually know what they are doing and how to do it. Just like everywhere else, one must look around before just taking it to joe ragmans gun and lawn mower shop.

 

[jbock]

hey guy's;; i took the lockplete off and it is stamped l&r , thats the only piece on the whole gun that has anything stamped on it. except the backside of hammer has i think 3a stamped on it. would this help to identify the manufacturer? thanks johnny;;;

 

[Zonie]

Yes, it does identify the manufacturer of the lock.

L&R is a company which currently supplies a number of locks to the modern gunbuilders and to home craftsmen alike.

The quality during some years of their production was/is quite good but there were also years where they turned out some really poor locks. http://www.lr-rpl.com/
They are not an old company which bears out the thoughts that your gun is not a pre 1900 original.

That being the case, I'm sure you will understand why I've moved this topic.

 

[Ken Cormier]

Don't know if it's orginalor not don't think so But it is a cool gun