Help Identifying rifle maker.

[TheJanitor]

Good Day,

I have recently picked up a percussion lock muzzleloader and am having a tough time figuring out who the lock manufacture is and who possibly the maker of the rifle could be. This is a .36 caliber rifle. Not sure on a date either but it seems to fall in line with this forum. any help would be awesome. View attachment 549533

 

[rob63]

The lock looks to me like "___ Fletcher."

 

[bayonet]

The lock looks to me like "___ Fletcher."

If it is there were 5 Fletcher's in England. 2 in 1700s and 3 in 1800s. Could be Thomas 1866-72 in London a custom gunmaker for he seems the 1 out of 5 to fit the bill. W Fletcher made flintlock fowlers about 1830 in Tewkebury Gloucestershire.

 

[R. Porter]

This website may help:

Database of USA Gunmakers

I don't know how up to date it is. It doesn't contain all gun makers in the U.S. Some references indicate that the name was found on a gun and nothing more.

It's my understanding that back action locks date from the 1840's onward. It is also my understanding that small caliber rifles tend to be target rifles and small game rifles (up to deer) used east of the Mississippi. Plains rifles tend to be half stocks and start at .40 to .45 caliber.

I am by no means an expert so do your own research and don't just take my word for it.

 

[TheJanitor]

Thanks guys! After looking at the barrel more I think it may read J.C Armstrong. Not 100% sure about that though.

 

[TheJanitor]

Here are some more photos of the gun. It's in rough shape.

 

[Conquerordie]

It's a little rough, but dang that's a beautiful piece of wood!

 

[Joe Whitworth]

Try posting here for more information:

The Muzzleloading Forum

Muzzleloading Forum discussion community & muzzleloading/reenactors for sale classifieds. Muzzle loading forums for reenactors, mountain men, French & Indian War, Civil War reenactors.

www.muzzleloadingforum.com

 

[JackADriscoll]

That's a sweet rifle. There was a John Armstrong who made rifles that can fetch a high price (not this one of course) there's also a number of different Fletcher makers as previously stated. Neat rifle

 

[TheJanitor]

Just to share the info i have been presented with since this post. this seems to fit the bill seeming that I am from IN as well.

 

[R. Porter]

What book was used as a reference?

 

[TheJanitor]

What book was used as a reference?

Indiana Gun Makers book. written by Jeffrey J. Jaeger