Help identifying kentucky style flintlock

[Heartman3]

I am a new forum member. I purchased a "relic" rifle in an auction and am planning on restoring it. I have hunted with muzzleloaders for 30+ years, but am new to the flintlock world. I would like any help I can get as to the style (school?) and period this rifle was made in and any advice on a HC replacement lock. The rifle is 51" overall, with a .40 caliber 35" barrel. The matchbox is interesting in that it has a federal shield and 5 arrows engraved in it (possible revolutionary symbols?). There is both a buttstock and a foreshock molding cut in on each side. There is a hole for a vent pick drilled under the cheekpiece. The ramrod pipes are formed from sheet brass. The barrel has a faint signature on the top flat. It appears to be a first initial "M" and a last name starting with possibly a "B" written in script. I included a flash photo and a photo without flash. the photo without flash shows some inscription that is invisible to the naked eye, but it is a little blurry. Any advice and/or help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Guys!

 

[Zonie]

To my eye, the patchbox and the very large hole in the side of the barrel says it was probably originally a percussion rifle.
The "school"? Hard to say but it might be from the York school. The comb seems to have more curvature and blends into the wrist more smoothly than I would expect to see from a Lancaster school rifle.

In any case, it looks like you found a fine gun.

 

[Heartman3]

Thanks Jim - that gives me a start.............The barrel is pinned to the stock, which I thought was an earlier design than the percussion guns.

 

[tenngun]

I’m with Zonie here, I’m thinking west Pennsylvania cr 1840-50.

 

[Heartman3]

I’m with Zonie here, I’m thinking west Pennsylvania cr 1840-50.

Thanks Tenngun. So this would would be late longrifle or early plains rifle?

 

[tenngun]

Plains rifles were a specific type. So we can call this a late long rifle, if you have such a thing. Full stock long rifles got less popular but never went out of production. We have several photos from the 1870s and 80s of men with percussion ‘late’ long rifles, while the folks around them have plains rifles or breech loaders. And SMR would be produced well into the 1930s.

 

[Heartman3]

I wondered if it might be a SMR, but read that they usually used iron fittings. Do you have any suggestions on a replacement lock. The lock inlet measures 5 1/2" x 1"...……….Thanks again!

 

[tenngun]

SMR were iron mounted, except those that weren’t. Some had brass and silver mountings, and very nice wood. Looking at this photo it looks Pennsylvanian.

 

[Robby]

Looks western Pennsylvania/ Ohio type to me.
Robby

 

[Heartman3]

Looks western Pennsylvania/ Ohio type to me.
Robby

Yes, the opinions are certainly leaning towards Pennsylvania (perhaps York). Thanks for the help.

 

[Robby]

Western Pa. is a long way from York, miles and styles.
Robby

 

[Heartman3]

Better get out my geography book!