Searching for an appraiser.

[Lissa8304]

If appraised dont be surprised if they are not worth as much as thought. Many people have old family items that they think might be worth much more than they actually are. And I have no idea the value of your firearms.

Thank you for the heads up, fortunately I have no expectations as far as value. I do, however want to do the responsible thing and have them covered, have their historic value preserved, and I also would love to know more about them.

 

[ikesdad]

I believe the word is conservation instead of restoration.

 

[Story]

I believe the word is conservation instead of restoration.

Conservation would prevent further degradation. That's all.

Restoration would return the weapons to firing state, and possibly return the two rifles to flintlock rather than percussion.

 

[ikesdad]

Exactly

 

[Story]

As far as a restoration I guess the idea would be more to clean them without destroying the value and preservation. Right now they are in a climate controlled room with our other firearms. Do you happen to have any further suggestions until I'm able to have them worked on?

If you can afford it, you're in a unique position to turn back the hands of time.

This also is a matter of personal choice and how one defines 'value'. A firearm is a tool that's meant to be used.

For illustrations of the magic that can be done, I'd suggest you peruse this site. https://www.turnbullrestoration.com/

nb: my gut tells me that the two rifles were built by the same gunsmith. No proof, just a sense.

 

[Story]

I would treat any weapon as such as loaded until it's verified by someone that's qualified to do so that it's not.

Pro Bono Publica

https://www.hunter-ed.com/muzzleloa...e-the-Muzzleloader-Is-Empty/222099_700062677/

 

[Lissa8304]

That is a possibility as well, I will have to look at prices. It may have to happen one at a time.

 

[SWFirstModel]

I am not an expert on early percussion muskets like these, although I tend to agree that they're probably made by local gunsmiths. There are historians that specialize in these guns, and for a historical appraisal I would turn to the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association for advice. They can put you in touch with the experts, including those who have a strong familiarity with the Pennsylvania gunmaking vernaculars.

Appraisals of the value of any artifact like this are tricky because the market for these sorts of things fluctuates pretty wildly. Two determined bidders at an auction can artificially inflate the value of guns like this by several magnitudes, and in the next auction the same gun may go for half of its perceived value because there didn't happen to be any percussion fans in the audience. Point being, be wary of any specific dollar values provided to you. The best barometer of value is to look at what comparable guns are selling for.

In terms of restoration: please don't. These guns appear to be in their (mostly) original condition, and they will only ever be original once. The patina of age on the brass parts takes many decades to form, and the wood probably wears its original varnishes. I see evidence of what might be some contemporary repairs (in particular is a round headed screw on one of the lock plates), but at this point it's part of the gun's history and best left alone.

You will find a lot of advice on the internet and in forums like this about how to do all manner of cleaning and restoration and repair and anything else a person could want to do to an antique gun. This advice runs the gamut from excellent to terrible, but most of it ignores a basic archival principle of not altering the artifact in any way. An exception might be a light coat of oil on the steel parts (rubbed on with a rag) to prevent further rusting, but care should be taken not to get oils onto the wooden parts.

I say this with no disrespect to those that choose to restore their guns, but rather to offer the perspective of someone with a background in both history and archival preservation. I consider it my responsibility to curate the guns in my collection as precious artifacts for future generations to enjoy, and I make it my goal to keep them as stable and unchanged as possible. Your mileage may vary.

One other note ... there was a fad in the 1970's to over restore guns, and that has only hurt the value of those guns as the pendulum has swing heavily towards collectors wanting things in "relic condition." Point being, you will almost never go wrong leaving something in its original condition, despite the temptation to do otherwise.

Mike

 

[Lissa8304]

Thank you Mike, this it great information and also another option for me to pursue. I have not set my heart on any course of action as of yet other than reaching out to the suggested resources. First and foremost I need information, and I have gained a wealth of knowledge here from you all.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

The advice to "conserve rather than restore" is well applied and should be taken to heart. Even the much revered Kentucky Rifle Association has changed its long standing philosophy that all arms should be restored to their original manufactured condition. Today, their advice is to conserve them to prevent further deterioration and leave them alone. "Restoring" the items you have will do nothing to enhance the value.
J.

 

[Story]

Your mileage may vary.

Exactly.

http://americansocietyofarmscollect.../01/Kentucky-rifle-restoration-B073_Selke.pdf

http://americankentuckyrifleart.com/haga-restoration.html

http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2016/04/re-restoring-antique-pennsylvania-rifle.html

https://www.jsbrookslongrifles.com/antiquegunrestoration.htm