Does anyone recognize this rifle?

Wraith_3

Private
Joined
Mar 24, 2021
This is in my dad's collection, though I'm not sure if it's CW. It doesn't have any markings on it. I was thinking maybe it was just made by a local gunsmith (wherever "local" would have been. I'm using my dad's photos and he doesn't have one overall picture. It's between 4-5ft long. Looking at the barrel, I'm not even sure if it's a rifle. It looks like a smooth bore.

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This is in my dad's collection, though I'm not sure if it's CW. It doesn't have any markings on it. I was thinking maybe it was just made by a local gunsmith (wherever "local" would have been. I'm using my dad's photos and he doesn't have one overall picture. It's between 4-5ft long. Looking at the barrel, I'm not even sure if it's a rifle. It looks like a smooth bore.

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Beautiful firearm whatever it is!
 
I agree the first couple of inches at the muzzle look smoothbore, but I'll bet this is a rifle. It should be easy to determine with a bore scope, and there should be shooting enthusiasts or collectors in your circle of acquaintance who will know who could help you with that. It looks to me like this was a fairly elegant piece in its day--with nice lines and engraving here and there. I like the cap box.
 
The gun appears to have traits of a match rifle, but the lack of obvious rifling is a bit concerning. The trigger guard looks rather unique and should be a tip-off. Pedersoli makes a version of a match rifle originally made by Tryon with this same trigger guard. The presence of a set trigger implies that accuracy was desired which suggests a rifled barrel. One image shows what appear to be tool marks on the barrel and fore stock, so perhaps the barrel is a replacement.

The Pedersoli has the same trigger guard, a set trigger, similar patch box, and octagonal barrel but otherwise is not a match:


Is there a Tryon rifle that matches? You may have to comb through old advertisements to find out. My guess is that this is a match rifle from the mid to late 19th century, possibly by Tryon or using Tryon parts.

My disclaimer is that I am not an expert or even a knowledgeable amateur.
 
There are also some similarities to a match rifle by George P. Foster of Bristol, RI:


But this Foster rifle appears to be a match, dating to 1855:

 
Thanks for all the tips to look into! I'll have to get it out when I'm over at my mom's and check for rifling farther down. I've never heard of a rifle not having rifling all the way through, but I'm not an expert.
 

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