rifle help please

[wayner1984]

Can someone please tell me what this rifle is worth approximatly and when it was used if this is known and from what year it was made. thanks
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=n2b9c1&s=3
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2n7ehs&s=3

 

[crockett]

Well the GR with a crown on the lock plate would suggest it was British and the buttplate looks like a musket. The big cut in the lock plate looks like it was originally a flintlock. Other than that- I hope some one else has better information. If you get nothing try the NRA's magazine Men at Arms or the Gun Report- both magazines deal with original firearms.

 

[Billnpatti]

From what I can see, it looks like it was most likely originally a British made flintlock musket from the late 18th century. I believe that it was later converted to a caplock sometime between 1835 and 1890. These are just guesses based upon the limited views available of the gun. My guesses are free and worth every penny.

 

[wayner1984]

oe the help so far fellas. any more help from anyone would we appreciated as well!

 

[bdhutier]

From the tag, I can read:
NAME: "British Service..."
MODEL: "1839 Percussion..."
CAL: "75 Cal"
COM (comments): "Late conversion of the Brown Bess 39..."

That's the limits for my current photoshop skills... Higher res image would help.

 

[TFoley]

Sir - I agree with you in every respect.

I would add that it is in very poor condition, missing the original ramrod, too. The wood is particularly bad.

Unless this is an arm that the OP really must have, I'd walk away from it. It is a smooth-bore, BTW, and NOT a rifle of any kind, being based on the British Land Pattern 'Brown Bess' .75cal musket. They are not particularly rare, even taking into account the fire at the Tower in 1841 that destroyed many flintlocks awaiting conversion. In any event, IMHO this one is a wall-hanger at best, and I certainly would not wish to shoot anything out of THIS piece.

If the OP could get it for less than $500 then it might be a bargain and something to talk about, else I'd leave it alone.

tac

 

[wayner1984]

thank guys! i dont plan on fireing it. i see another one like it on Joe salters site for over 2000? why ios everyone down on this musket? i know it doesnt have a ram rod. but i think its worth 599 what hes asking for it. thanks for the advise!

 

[fluggies4]

oe the help so far fellas. any more help from anyone would we appreciated as well!

It appears to be a percussion conversion of a Third Model "India Pattern" Brown Bess. I would say, from a collectors standpoint, the price is reasonable. It is definitely not an 1839 percussion model.

 

[Dphar]

thank guys! i dont plan on fireing it. i see another one like it on Joe salters site for over 2000? why ios everyone down on this musket? i know it doesnt have a ram rod. but i think its worth 599 what hes asking for it. thanks for the advise!

First what you might see as a minor difference in condition of antique firearms can make a major difference in price.
Also the asking price of a given piece is far different that its actual worth in many cases.
If the guy has 599 on it and you really want it offer 350 cash then dicker from there.
Dan

 

[TFoley]

thank guys! i dont plan on fireing it. i see another one like it on Joe salters site for over 2000? why ios everyone down on this musket? i know it doesnt have a ram rod. but i think its worth 599 what hes asking for it. thanks for the advise!

Well, Sir - that's the first time a price has been quoted. And if YOU think it's worth it, then it is entirely up to you. :v

Pay his price and you'll be happy, and so will he. Smiles all round. :wink:

tac