Rifle Help

[plumberroy]

I know pictures would help but I don't have any at the moment .
My brother in law has an old muzzle loader in poor shape . It has a barrel around 36-40 inches it is 35-40 caliber tiger maple 1 piece full stock some where around 7/8th across the flats markings top of the barrel in cursive writing looks like G or S . W. Vore the lock has 1858 tower and british looking proof marks. side plate and nose cap are brass all other furniture is iron . Nothing on this gun says reproduction to me screw heads etc look mid 1800's I believe this gun to be an original poorboy style rifle any help on maker would be grateful. the gun will never be worth much in its shape I do think it could be made shoot-able again
Roy

 

[D. Buck Stopshere]

Obviously, pictures are worth thousands of words. Sometimes, an antique rifle can be attributed to a maker by looking at the architecture of the rifle, thus the importance of the photos.

Many gunmakers of the 19th century would go down to their local hardware store and buy a dozen barrels & locks, made overseas with cheap labor, England & Belgium to name a few. They would also pick up a dozen sets of brass or German Silver furniture (buttplate, trigger guard, etc.) and take all that back to the shop and produce a dozen rifles to sell to the public.

The problem with antique gun parts especially lock parts is non-standard design. If you were to get it in shooting condition, and your mainspring snaps in two, you are dead in the water. It is that reason I do not shoot my John Manton & Son, 18 gauge double barrel muzzle loading shotgun, made in 1830. Replacing a broken mainspring would cost me $200 from an experienced gunsmith. I'm not against shooting original muzzleloaders, just have plenty of money to spend when something breaks.

To properly identify your rifle, go to "The American Longrifle Forum", and register to post your information. Post in the "Antique Gun Collecting" section. Remember, without photos, it will handicap anyone who could be of some help. Take your photos outside under overcast skies to reduce shadows and increase details. Don't use flash indoors.

Hope this helps.