My Lehigh progress

[Flintandsteel]

Hi gang,

I'd just like to show you all where I am with my Lehigh project.

You can reach the couple of photos at ....
http://photobucket.com/albums/v287/Smallpatch/

Please offer any critique you feel appropriate.

:: :winking:

 

[rootnuke]

Looks like your going to have a fine Lehigh. :redthumb:

 

[horkeye]

I'd just like to show you all where I am with my Lehigh project.

Teasing, taunting & tantalizing (try saying that quickly 3 times!) are just not acceptable; you must provide additional info :: ie any particular style; kit or individual components; lock, stock & barrel details, you get the idea.

Waiting in anticipation!

Jim. :thumbsup:

 

[Flintandsteel]

Lehigh_County,

Sorry, I was kinda in a hurry last night.

I've been working on this project for almost 2 years. I get in the middle of it, then someone wants me to start another project, and being this one is my personal project, I just keep putting it aside.

This all started out with a piece of sugar maple (blank) from the renowned Allen Martin, I used his buttplate, had the barrel channel and ramrod hole cut to his spec's by Fred Miller. I built in a 3 1?2" drop at the heel with a 1/4" to 3/8" cast off.
Barrel is 44" Oct/round .54 cal Getz
Lock....Modified L&R Dickert.
Standard English trigger, brass Hardward, Rupp Style patchbox.
One of the most challenging pieces I've built to date. Mostly I build Lancasters. Nice, clean, STRAIGHT lines. On a Lehigh,..... there ain't a straight line any where.
Started the relief carving last night.... Good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise.... Maybe I'll have it done for the summer...... MAYBE!! :: eace:

 

[KyFlintlock]

I sure wish I knew how to do that stuff and had the tools! That is great!!
:thumbsup:

 

[Stumpkiller]

Please offer any critique you feel appropriate.

I only spot one "flaw", and it is minor comparted to the overall work so far. The rear of the trigger guard should follow the wrist. Yours is much farther from the wrist at the spur inside the bow than back at the rear spur.

This is a copy of a Rupp, and Rupp brought the toe curve up into the guard instead of ending it at the finial as Moll did (and as yours does).

The Lehighs also have a wrist wider than it is deep. Can't tell from your images of you caught that.

Nice job so far on my favorite school of rifle. :thumbsup: Forgive my critiqu

 

[Stumpkiller]

And don't forget the incised Indian/Liberty Head figure ahead of the bow. That was common to all Lehighs.

 

[horkeye]

Please offer any critique you feel appropriate.

If you care to send the firearm to me I'll gladly check & appraise for you!
All You Custom gun makers / owners make me sick! :cry:
Jim.

 

Some of them hid the Indian inside the patchbox instead of ahead of the tg bow.

That tall bow spur at the back of the gard is quite typical of some of the earliest Lehigh guns. I do not care for it but it is typical and not out of place.

Did you get the triangle cross section of the forend worked out? That's a tricky transition where the entry thimble meets the forestock.

KY rifle development could have stoped with this school of style and I would have been completely happy!

 

[shmrck1]

Smallpatch,
it looks great to me!!!!!
snake-eyes :master: :applause: :master: :applause: :master: :applause:

 

[Flintandsteel]

Stumpkiller,
You know... you are right. I never noticed that before. I've looked at so many original photos, and EK's repro's, and for some reason I just never picked up on that.

The wrist is wider than tall, kinda like Bucks' County guns. I have the Indian head planned, but not carved yet.
The one thing that is really bothering me, is I just couldn't get that darn sideplate to flatten out.
That's the first thing I see when I see the gun.... Well maybe now the TG will distract me.
Thanks for the input. I've been blinded by looking at this thing for the last 1 1/2 years. :boohoo: :redface:

 

[rich pierce]

Smallpatch, sweet, especially like the transition from barrel to wrist to buttstcok viewed from above- you nailed that. Couple thoughts-
Check to see if the transition between the two curves on the underside of the butt should be softened or not- compare with originals to see how sharp this should be. You've got room to make subtle changes even with the molding in place.

I like your carving designs and think there's even room for more detail in the area under the main "arch"- Niehart and Rupp were often quite busy in their designs and pretty much filled the area- might give more balance.

These are just suggestions and personal preference and expression are what building custom rifles is all about! it will be a dandy.

 

[LSU TIGER]

Very nice! That's one of the most difficult schools to build, IMHO.