Underhammer Maker?

[Cornbread]

Hello,
I picked this up at a black powder only show in Washington state on March 8th after everyone else didn't give it much of a chance. Guess it was sooo ugly no one thought much of it - until I came along. I saw it...and adopted it!

Knowing it's an underhammer rifle only, I can't find a maker stamp on the barrel or anywhere else. If parts are stamped, I don't even know where to start to take it apart to find out! Many features look like guns from several makers. Even the tang sight is peculiar with that empty brass case joined between the 2 posts. Anyway, seems odd timing there are a few discussions on these lately, so I thought I'd post this here.

The barrel is about 30" long in .40 cal and the bore isn't as bad as the photo would have you think. In fact, it's the rifling that sold it not to mention the mechanics are all sound. But the stock tells a different story; are there any replacements and/or original parts for these readily available? I fear the King's Men using glass bedding may not be able to do much with this 'Humpty Dumpty'.

Thank you for any help or recommendations you have. It should be a hoot to shoot!

James

 

[Sam squanch]

Many New England gunsmiths used the Underhammer action, without any markings, it’s guessing. You will have to make parts yourself or hire someone to make them, but these were simple guns so it shouldn’t be too hard. Even if you get no accuracy, getting a liner installed would be money well spent.

 

[Cornbread]

Thank you for the reply. From reading I've done so far both via this forum and elsewhere, several have stated the same. I guess there was no formal patent.

Funny how many of these target/underhammer rifles were from the general vicinity of north east coast states: New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.

After I post this, I'm going to start opening it up...

Cheers for now.
James

 

[russellshaffer]

That is one very ingenious tang sight. If it was me I would do some research on wood repair before giving up on that stock. Maybe drill a deep hole and insert a steel rod with lots of Gorilla glue. I would have bought it, too.