Not looking for a value, trying to estimate authenticity. If it's real he knows what he'll pay for it.
Obviously a version of an American Long Rifle. Story is it's been in the family since the American Revolution. I think the source is trustworthy not to be outright lying. But we all know how family stories get with age.
Barrel is marked A Cook, owner? Lock is marked RB.
Pros
Well worn with patina. Yes it can be faked but corroborated the story of being in the family a long time.
Set triggers, not sure if they work but they move a little when pressed. Just don't wan't to full on drop the hammer.
The crudeness does not bother me much. Could just be a cheap rifle on a homestead.
Barrel had the right look, more on that below though.
Cons
Percussion cap. Is that even period correct? Don't think so but finding mixed info here. No sign that it's a converted flintlock either.
Heavy, I mean really front heavy. I've shoulder some beautiful repro's and they were not heavy for their length.
Barrel appears to be bored and not welded.
Barrel does NOT appear to be rifled. The closest thing to rifling is you can see the octagon shape in the interior of the barrel. IMO, bad, bad sign there.
Missing ram rod and hangers plus some non period screws in places.
@Tim
Obviously a version of an American Long Rifle. Story is it's been in the family since the American Revolution. I think the source is trustworthy not to be outright lying. But we all know how family stories get with age.
Barrel is marked A Cook, owner? Lock is marked RB.
Pros
Well worn with patina. Yes it can be faked but corroborated the story of being in the family a long time.
Set triggers, not sure if they work but they move a little when pressed. Just don't wan't to full on drop the hammer.
The crudeness does not bother me much. Could just be a cheap rifle on a homestead.
Barrel had the right look, more on that below though.
Cons
Percussion cap. Is that even period correct? Don't think so but finding mixed info here. No sign that it's a converted flintlock either.
Heavy, I mean really front heavy. I've shoulder some beautiful repro's and they were not heavy for their length.
Barrel appears to be bored and not welded.
Barrel does NOT appear to be rifled. The closest thing to rifling is you can see the octagon shape in the interior of the barrel. IMO, bad, bad sign there.
Missing ram rod and hangers plus some non period screws in places.
@Tim
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