Help with smooth rifle

[BrianL]

Hoping someone here can help. A friend just bought this smoothbore. It has a London warranted lock, .52 bore, extensive brass work and a unique patch box latch mechanism. It also has been marked with the pictured carving in the barrel channel. L.M.P.A and the number 00326832. We are wondering if this could have been a militia gun at one time? Any insights will be greatly appreciated.

 

[rich pierce]

I think the engraving under the barrel is a later thing.

This is unlikely a militia gun. It’s very nice, parchbox and buttstock remind me of Mauger and Dauphin County Pennsylvania. 1820-ish.

 

[BrianL]

The only pictures that we have found of this style patch box were from Beck lineage and some of his apprentices.

 

[rich pierce]

Here’s a Mauger. You can see the similarities but this gun is not by him. Lot Detail - (A) FULLSTOCK KENTUCKY LONGRIFLE ATTRIBUTED TO HENRY MAUGER.

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
Listen to Rich Pierce. That gun is not from any of the Becks. Look to Berk's County. That patchbox is very similar to one on a rifle by Adam Angstadt.

dave

 

[PathfinderNC]

It looks to be in good condition.
Looking at the lock I am puzzled why it has two upper jaw plates, (wondering if it was done to accommodate thinner flints?)

 

[rich pierce]

It looks to be in good condition.
Looking at the lock I am puzzled why it has two upper jaw plates, (wondering if it was done to accommodate thinner flints?)

You’ve got eyes that see. Impressive. Most of the we time we see what we expect to see. I think your guess is a good one.

 

[Tanselman]

I think the double upper jaws were probably the result of a lost original jaw screw, and the replacement was simply too long for this cock.

Shelby Gallien