What are these?

[Irish13]

My buddy picked up two rifles yesterday, they are both a little different. Was wondering if someone could tell me a little about them and maybe what they are worth?
First one is a Mowrey Gun works when they were made in Olney Texas. It has a brass frame, 32 inch barrel and has a Schutzen style butt stock it is 45 cal. The second is a Ransom made in Italy but resembles a "Zouave", it is a .58 cal, stock goes almost to the end, stops about 4" from end of barrel. Has brass furniture and is in great condition. I will try to post pics later. Thanks for your help

 

[paulvallandigham]

The Italian made Zuave will have Italian proof marks on the bottom of the barrel. These guns have been imported by a variety of firms over the years, so you find a lot of different names on them. I have never heard of the " Ransom" brand, but that just means I haven't run across one.

Take the guns to a qualified Black Powder Gunsmith for inspection. Then check the auction sites to see what guns of a similar condition are bringing.

The Mowry is a fine rifle made in several locations, as the company moved, and was sold until it finally went out of business. Most of the guns you see have seen very little use, so they tend to hold their value.

Condition is everything when trying to put a value on any mler. Until you put up pictures, its anybody's guess as to the value of this or the other gun. There are also some small changes in details that can let the knowledgeable collector know when this particular rifle was made, beside the address. Pictures are essential, unless a collector can inspect the gun personally.

 

[boar]

I have the Mowery in a .50. Mine is marked 198 of 500 that were made for the Bicentenary. Mine has the premium maple stock with fancy butt plate. Has a hand cut barrel and has a paper that says you can shoot 125grs and not strip the ball. Has very deep rifleings. The bad part is the trigger. The later ones had a screw to ajust, mine don't. Weights 10lbs. Mine was made in Texas. Dilly

 

[Irish13]

Here are the pics of the guns. Thanks for your help in advance.
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq49/gmorrison_photos/MVC-135F2.jpg http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq49/gmorrison_photos/MVC-132F2.jpg http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq49/gmorrison_photos/MVC-124F3.jpg

 

Was wondering if someone could tell me a little about them and maybe what they are worth?

They are currently worth what your friend paid for them. If he sells them, the "worth" may change. :wink:

 

[Flintlock58]

The Mowrey looks like a rifle still made in the 1990s by Deer Creek. I used to own one. I think I paid about $375 for it new.

 

[arquebus]

Those older Mowreys are nice looking rifles, I've been half-looking for one of those swiss-style butt plate ones for some time, with no luck. Not sure on value of that one, but a nice clean Zouave repro goes for around $300+/-.