New Possession - Double Trigger Percussion

[dj_bal]

I joined this forum because I came into possession of a couple antique percussion rifles recently but know nothing about them. I am curious to learn any history/information surrounding the guns.

This is rifle 2 of 2 - The steel plate, which is believe is called the “lock” (bear with me, I’m new to this world) is stamped “LEMAN” on top and below that is stamped “LANCRT.PA”

This rifle seems to have been in an accident at one point in time and the stock damaged badly, however, it was repaired.

The end of the barrel is stamped all the way around with a star symbol that looks much like the * text symbol.

Again, if anyone can shed some light/history on this new piece of mine I would be very grateful to learn more about it.

Here is a link to view the photos online: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/eipswtwm4q3fxzh/AAAq9c0LjHnoyZiSPZQ9GERna?dl=0

 

[galamb]

Leman made many of the locks used by gun makers in the early percussion era.

Your rifle is styled after what became popular as the West opened up.

The drum is not indicative of a Leman built rifle, neither is the trigger guard which leads me to suspect the maker simply used a Leman lock.

I do not recognize the style to a particular builder, but is reminiscent of a Dimick (St. Louis), but don't believe that is who built it either - someone perhaps in the area.

The under rib appears to be hollow with the muzzle end closed over with a bit of solder - another St. Louis (Hawken) trademark, which further strengthens my belief (at least to myself) that this was possibly built in the St. Louis area, possibly in the late 1840's/50's by one of the numerous builders who set up shop in the area to cash in on the western trade.

There is absolutely no indication this was ever a flintlock - looks to have been built "originally" as percussion.

 

[dj_bal]

Thanks Graham, I appreciate the response.

Was it common for gun makers to purchase parts, i.e. locks, from other companies such as Leman to outfit their guns with?

 

[galamb]

Yes, it was just not timely or cost effective to make their own.

Leman and Golcher (a couple of Golchers) supplied thousands of locks which were often bought at hardware stores the way we would buy a box of screws today.

Earlier, many many locks were imported from England and later Belgium.

In 1843 a lock sold for 50 cents while a rifled barrel was $2.50.

A finished rifle might sell in the 15-25 dollar range so taking a couple/few days to build a lock was just not cost effective if you were trying to make a living at it.

 

[Luzur]

looks like a "soft-trigger" or what you guys call it over in the states.

 

[bpd303]

Over here those double triggers are called set triggers.

 

[john wilson]

Yes,interesting,set triggers normally indicate a good quality lock and the existing lock doesn't seem to fit quite as nicely as you'd expect, there appears to be only one retaining screw and no provision in the woodwork for a second (unless it's been filled? can't see why that would be so though?) It may be a drum and nipple conversion from a nice quality earlier flint gun with a cheap lock thrown in there? There's certainly no evidence of the lock being changed from flint to percussion,but I wouldn't necessarliy discount the gun itself from being earlier. :hmm: