Old longrifle identification

[Lfpdlt]

Just picked up this old rifle today and was hoping to get some opinions on possibly when and where it was made. It is a 40 cal smoothbore with a barrel measuring 40.5”. The percussion lock is marked Harvey & Son, and is the only marking I can find, the barrel appears to be unsigned. Quite a bit of inlay work with 4 of the fish inlays on each side of the forestock. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Lfpdlt]

 

[Lfpdlt]

 

[appalichian hunter]

If only it could talk. I like the fish inlays. When newer that rifle would have been a looker. nice find

 

[martin9]

That's a nice find. Looks very West Virginia made to me.

 

[Lfpdlt]

That's a nice find. Looks very West Virginia made to me.

That would be very cool, I have lots of frontier family history in West Virginia.

 

[Lfpdlt]

Identification has been made! Cleaning up the rust on the barrel with some Hoppes #9 and 0000 steel wool revealed that it is a Jacob Roop made rifle. I have found another example online with the same style patchbox.

 

[JamesT]

Wherw did Jacob Roop work?? Nice rifle

 

[Lfpdlt]

http://roop-history.blogspot.com/2009/01/biographical-sketch-of-jacob-roop-1779.html

 

[TNBandit]

Amazing. What are your plans for it ?

 

[Lfpdlt]

Amazing. What are your plans for it ?

I plan to fix the damage as much as possible without altering the character of the rifle.

 

[JamesT]

I plan to fix the damage as much as possible without altering the character of the rifle.

Its your rifle do what you will but consider doing nothing. A 200 year old rifle survived and came into your possesion. Let it continue life maybe. What could possibly be done to improve value or provenance without a professional restoration? You have the work of a Baltimore defense veteran. If every owner that kept it fixed it may not look like what it should. Just sayin. Your rifle.
James

 

[PathfinderNC]

A great piece of history there. Glad to see it's with someone who will tend to it's needs!!! Best wishes with your beautiful Roop gun.

 

[Lfpdlt]

Its your rifle do what you will but consider doing nothing. A 200 year old rifle survived and came into your possesion. Let it continue life maybe. What could possibly be done to improve value or provenance without a professional restoration? You have the work of a Baltimore defense veteran. If every owner that kept it fixed it may not look like what it should. Just sayin. Your rifle.
James

Thank you for your opinion on restoration, and I see what you are saying. If there was a known history of how and when the stock and trigger guard were broken and it was part of the gun’s story I would leave it as is. Unfortunately right now it is in most people’s eyes just a broken old gun which is why it sat in a closet for years neglected and forgotten, until it came time to clean out some old junk. I just want to stabilize it and repair it enough so that it will be appreciated for many years to come. If I had done nothing to it, I would not even know who made it.

 

[Brazos John]

...how and when the stock and trigger guard were broken...

The path of ownership of this rifle, and its use, would undoubtedly make a great movie! Was the rifle broken over an adversary's head after firing the one shot? Or did it get run over by junior learning to drive the Model T? Were the repairs a life-and-death necessity, or just to shoot varmints?
Indeed, if only these old guns could talk!

 

[JamesT]

Thank you for your opinion on restoration, and I see what you are saying. If there was a known history of how and when the stock and trigger guard were broken and it was part of the gun’s story I would leave it as is. Unfortunately right now it is in most people’s eyes just a broken old gun which is why it sat in a closet for years neglected and forgotten, until it came time to clean out some old junk. I just want to stabilize it and repair it enough so that it will be appreciated for many years to come. If I had done nothing to it, I would not even know who made it.

Thats so amazing for you to restore it. Do you have prior experience in restororing.
and preserving antiques?? What will you do with the rifle once you repair and stabilize it?? Are you placing it on display somewhere?

 

[Lfpdlt]

Thats so amazing for you to restore it. Do you have prior experience in restororing.
and preserving antiques?? What will you do with the rifle once you repair and stabilize it?? Are you placing it on display somewhere?

I do not, and like I said it will not be a full restore, just more of a stabilization while maintaining it’s character. I will be sure not to get in over my head and compromise what is there. Luckily Pecatonica Long Rifle supply is only about a half hour from me so I will take it up there some time to get assistance with finding a replacement trigger guard and the missing lock and tang bolts. And yes, I will be displaying it proudly in my home or workshop. I welcome advice of others and will be seeking it as needed.

 

[duca]

To Cool!! I understand about altering it BUT sure would be nice to clean it up a bit and at least stop anymore Degrading

Anthony

 

[Lfpdlt]

To Cool!! I understand about altering it BUT sure would be nice to clean it up a bit and at least stop anymore Degrading

Anthony

That is my plan for it.

 

[Lfpdlt]

I get it. Went from "Just picked up this old rifle" to now going to the local shop for parts and makin it right. Thats great. Have at it. Enjoy your work. Its your rifle after all. The reason so many current examples are bitched up.
James

So are you saying it would be better left in 2 pieces held together with kite string?Starting to sense some sarcasm in your replys.