Someone to repair an original Pennsylvania rifle

[Matt Norman]

Am brand new to these forums and need some advice on locating a 'smith.

I have a .36 cal Pennsylvania rifle that has been passed down through our family. It apparently started out life as a flintlock around 1820 and got converted to percussion. My grandfather (born 1902) provided me with quite a bit of the family history on it. It has markings on it of "Eagle Rifle Works Philadelphia' and I've done research on them.

'Original condition' was lost long ago as there was water damage to the stock a century ago and decades ago a 6th grader (me) opted to try his hand on refinishing the stock. A more talented person properly restored it's finish on the outside and the bore cleaned up pretty good.

So now I'm looking for somebody competent and reliable to do some work on the lock (springs?) and some of the wood underneath the sideplate needs attention.

Not looking for a museum quality restoration just somebody that knows what they are doing on such things to get it into shootable condition.

I would like to get it functional as I would like to shoot it. Yes, I'm very much aware of the safety issues and will address them.

Can anybody refer me to somebody?

 

[wmaser]

Where do you live?

 

[Matt Norman]

southeastern Michigan

 

[wmaser]

Surely, there is a gunsmith somewhere nearby willing to help you out. I would take a look at it if you were closer but shipping it back and forth just increases your cost. The last gun I shipped cost $40.00 +, one way.

 

[M. De Land]

I'm originally from Napoleon Michigan on M-50 about five or six miles from Michigan International Speedway. Went to the first race there when it opened. Boy that was a long time ago!
Live in Alaska now but sure would like to look at your family gun.
How about some pictures? Mike D.

 

[Rifleman1776]

hotoSmile:

 

[Curt]

Matt Try Bob Elka in Willis Mi .He belongs to the CLA and his name is in there artisian section. Curt

 

[FishDFly]

Try the NMLRA for someone, they are a good resource and have a lot of resources available to them along with the mentioned one, CLA.

 

[kingsax26]

I know someone who is a professional gunsmith who may be able to help you. His main specialty is restoring sharps rifles...but he has also done numerous other. His name is Joe Seeley you can find him at gunmaker.biz or phone @ 607-527-8470. He is very good at his craft. and if it helps, he is a member of the gun builders guild of america, and also a member of the Engravers Guild of America as a master engraver...

 

[stude 283]

Wow!Is he good or what?

 

[rootsy]

How about some photos of this fine rifle? I am sure we would all love to see it.