Late 19th century - help identify

[ligonierbill]

Old (and a bit Bubba'd) 32 caplock. I believe it to have been made in western Pennsylvania, probably in Harmony. There was a smith there named Charles Flowers who worked from about 1850 to 1890. However, he signed the barrels of his rifles. No markings on this one. The barrel is very heavy for a 32, and someone obviously modified it for target shooting. So, may not be the original barrel. Any input welcomed.

 

[ligonierbill]

More: The barrel is 1 1/8"! The only marking is a '3' stamped on the bottom. The lock is stamped '14' two places on the inside. Lockplate is rolled with a small hunting scene to the rear. No other marks. No half cock, one notch only. Looks cheap.

 

[Hermit Tim]

So is this yours or are you thinking about buying it? Don't have any info on it but it is a pretty neat looking rifle.

 

[ligonierbill]

So is this yours or are you thinking about buying it? Don't have any info on it but it is a pretty neat looking rifle.

It's mine, a gift from my brother in Harmony. I'd like to think it's a Flowers, but I doubt it, probably someone's purpose made target rifle. Rice sells 1 1/8" straight barrels from 32 to 62, but they're marked. This all looks old and original. I took it apart and removed the breach plug; rifling looks excellent. I've fired it with a 0.315 RB, 0.010 pillow ticking, and about 20 gr FFFg, but my groups are indifferent. Given the outstanding bore, it's probably my load. I'll just have to play with it.

 

[Grenadier1758]

More: The barrel is 1 1/8"! The only marking is a '3' stamped on the bottom. The lock is stamped '14' two places on the inside. Lockplate is rolled with a small hunting scene to the rear. No other marks. No half cock, one notch only. Looks cheap.

That's a purpose-built target rifle. I am surprised that the muzzle wasn't turned for a bullet starter attachment. Can we see a picture of the muzzle. There may be holes for the alignment of a false muzzle. In addition to the rear tang peep sight, the front sight is hooded. Is the sight a pin or a blade? Target rifles were often built without a half cock notch. The lock received a stronger mainspring and by eliminating the half cock notch the lock fall time is shortened. The half cock notch was deemed unnecessary. Any markings on the underside of the barrel?

I don't see much cheap about that rifle.

 

[ligonierbill]

The only marking on the underside of the barrel is a stamped '3'. I attached some more pictures. No indication of pin holes for a false muzzle. Note the solder buildup on the front sight. Well done, but not pretty, completely practical. There is a traditional V notch sight dovetailed into the barrel and two threaded holes that appear to be for a scope mount. I certainly appreciate the information.

 

[ligonierbill]

Some news on this old rifle: I should have mentioned that the stock was badly cracked when I got it. I repaired it, but it's really dry rotted, and I think it's gone beyond reasonable repair. New cracks keep showing up. That's unfortunate, because it was a pretty nice piece of maple, and it seems to like the 0.319 balls I cast. So, I ordered a blank from Pecatonica, cherry. I'm going to use all the furniture and match the profile as best I can. As if I need another project.