Old .36 cal rifle needs identification

[Joker]

I purchased this rifle for 125$ in an antique shop
Cleaned it up and did some work on the lock and it fires!
It has old chisel marks on the barrel
And is stamped R.H.Ronk 1939
I believe it is older than that.
Any input would be appreciated

 

[Davey Boy]

I suppose it could be 1938

Have you tried taking it to a local club so they can look at it really close?

 

[Joker]

I suppose it could be 1938

Have you tried taking it to a local club so they can look at it really close?

There's not any clubs near me that I know of

 

[Phil Coffins]

It may of been made in 1939 as people made muzzle loaders before and after then. I made a couple just last year!

 

[Davey Boy]

You could look up each piece and research each one. You have a date and a name on the barrel, do some geneoligy. Look up the lock, trigger guard, look at how the wood was cut to the lock, barrel, trigger, etc. Machine cuts of hand cuts with hand tools. All are clues. What you learn from doing it will educate you on muzzleloaders.