"C. Smith" Flinter

[SR James]

I recently bought this rifle through Gunbroker from Jackson Arms in Dallas. Signed "C. Smith" on the top flat and "No. 110" on the left breech flat. The barrel is a .50 Getz, swamped, 46" C weight which is kind of heavy for a .50. Think I would have used a B weight. Lock is an L&R Queen Anne, all iron furnture. The rifle is nicely put together. The forearm flairs strongly at the muzzle. Overall a well made, simple rifle. Does anyone know this maker, "C. Smith"?

 

[Trot]

Could be Clay Smith, used to be a gunbuilder in Colonial Williamsburg.

 

[SR James]

I've checked out his website and this rifle doesn't really resemble his work as shown there.

 

[hawk]

nice lookin' shooter :thumbsup:

 

[hoochiepapa]

I'm pretty sure that's Clay Smith's signature on the barrel. I met him at the Southern Longrifle Show in Williamsburg last year. The guy makes awesome rifles.

 

[wattlebuster]

Very Nice :thumbsup:

 

[twobarrel]

That's Clay's signature. I have one of his flintlocks in .32. Excellent craftsman.

 

[LaBonte]

The signatures sure seem to be the same - this link is to one on his site http://www.claysmithguns.com/Pistol_Eng2.jpg

now compare to that above 0 then I'd suggest contacting clay and see what he has to say.

FWIW - the C weight barrel would be more like most originals that tended to be heavier in the breech than many today...while there is no doubt that light rifles were made in the period, the majority of surviving guns are often in the 10 lb (+/- minus one pound category).

 

[SR James]

I had looked at the pistol signature, the only one I found on his website. They are very similar; the major difference is the "S" in Smith on my rifle is cursive but I suppose he could have changed it. I will contact him to see if it is his build.

Thanks for the info on the barrel weight being more typical of originals. I didn't think about that.

It's a very well made rifle. If it was made by Clay Smith, that makes it even better

 

[SR James]

Mystery solved. I emailed Clay Smith and here is his reply:

I made it in March 1986 and it sold to G.Gedney Godwin Co. of Valley Forge, PA.
Looks like it's been traveling.
Hope you enjoy it. Thanks for letting me know where it is now.
Clay


Thanks to everyone for their help identifying it.

 

[rkmeyer]

:thumbsup:
Dusty :wink: