New user - identification of old caplock

[OldGuns]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum but am looking for some help learning more about a handful of old long guns I inherited from my grandfather. I'll open a new thread for several of them. Thank you in advance, and if it would be helpful to have additional photos/info just let me know!

Thank you in advance!!

R

This first rifle is an old caplock - no identifying marks/stamps that I can find, although there is some fancy detailing on the lock.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

Looks like a Whitworth rifle. I believe they are civil war vintage. Are there any marks near the lock or either side of the barrel?

 

[Jim Watson]

It sure isn't a Whitworth, just a generic sporting rifle. I think the back action lock makes it rather late in the period.

You can tell a Mauser, Springfield, Remington, etc. at a glance but commercial muzzleloaders seldom have distinctive appearance and features. If the maker didn't put his name on it, you are pretty much out of luck.

 

[OldGuns]

Very helpful, thank you all! Seems strange that it would have no marks at all, but I can't see any on it.

So probably no value to speak of then?

 

[Scooter22]

Black Socks special.

 

[conan32120]

Could it possibly have the markings under the stock?

 

[Jim Watson]

Not "no value." I think it could be made to look good and if necessary, rebore or fresh out to get it shooting.

 

[armoredman]

Never discount the value as a shooter. Even if you don't want it, someone will probably make an offer, but it won't be high price collectable. It's different enough that it would probably look absolutely awesome over the fireplace, especially if it's functional.

 

[OldGuns]

Thanks for all the thoughts!

Where would you recommend selling something like this? Thinking online is probably best to reach a wider group of potential buyers….

 

[hawg]

Definitely not a Whitworth. It's just a no name rifle likely from the 1870's. The back action lock was invented in 1830 IIRC but it wasn't popular until later in the century. If you're up to it you can carefully remove the pins holding the barrel in the stock and remove the barrel. There might be markings on the underside identifying the country of origin but you're most likely never going to know any more than that.

 

[Coyote3855]

Curious why you date this to the 1870s? I am under the impression, which may be incorrect, that back action locks were more popular in Europe than the U.S.

 

[Jim Watson]

Iron mounted, simple patch box, pinned barrel; a basic hunting rifle but with nice tiger stripe stock... which was sometimes applied with the finish.
Do be careful taking it apart to look for those mystery proof marks. Guns like this, the barrel is pretty much supporting the long thin stock.

 

[hawg]

Curious why you date this to the 1870s? I am under the impression, which may be incorrect, that back action locks were more popular in Europe than the U.S.

True they were but most of the back action locks were imported from Belgium starting in the 1860's with muskets. I'm guessing it was sometime in the 1870's or later but could have possibly been in the 1860's.

 

[Coyote3855]

Here's a back action lock from a French 1840 musket. Found on the Tongue River at Dayton, Wyoming. Some of these were imported by the Union for the Civil War.
This was interesting to research and identify.

 

[hawg]

I found one of those locks in the backyard many years ago when I was a kid. It's in about the same shape.

 

[Oldschool shooter]

I have a 70's built flintlock, builder is unknown, but the barrel maker's name is on the underside of the barrel. You may have to dis-assemble from the stock and look there.

 

[OldGuns]

I'll give that a try when I get a chance and post if anything, thanks!!