Original Rifle needs nipple

[Mike Haas]

I have a substanially un-molested Pa. Percussion full stock rifle that I will discribe in more detail in a subsequent post. That being said it needs a nipple and the set triggers need some work.
This post is primarily up right now to see if I can attach "thumbnail" Pixs.
More details and specific question later.
Mike Haas

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Mike Haas]

Well...!! that seem'ed to work other than including the picture of my Mom on her new tractor. I couldn't fiqure out how to delete that picture!

More later...Mike Haas

[Mike Haas]

Well...!! that seem'ed to work other than including the picture of my Mom on her new tractor. I couldn't fiqure out how to delete that picture!

More later...Mike Haas

More Pictures - I'll try to post the story behind the rifle and ask my questions later tonight.

[Mike Haas]

More Pictures - I'll try to post the story behind the rifle and ask my questions later tonight.

Trying the pictures again!!!

[Mike Haas]

Trying the pictures again!!!

Two more pixs to end the pics. Rifle overall length is 58" (4ft 10inchs)Approx. 35 to 40 Cal.

[Mike Haas]

More Pictures - I'll try to post the story behind the rifle and ask my questions later tonight.

OK - Dinners over..now the story about the rifle. My Dad got this rifle from a guy that lived near Altoona, Pa. (circa 1945). Dad's recollection the guy (Mike Lazinski {SP}..) got it from a relative.
Anyway I remember Dad & I shooting the rifle in the late 50's and it did quite well. Subsequently Dad Moved several times and the rifle pretty much remained in storage (deteriorting somewhat) and I remember Dad saying it needed some work. I suspect that Dad removed or attempted to remove the nipple to clean it; anyhow the nipple is gone. Otherwise the rifle doesn't appear to have been otherwise disassembled in a very long time; screws etc. are in great shape.
Dad died in July 2008 and I inherited the rifle. I took the rifle to the Maryland Antigue Collectors Arms Show in Timonium, Md. (March/April 2009)and multiple folks there stated the rifle appeared to be an excellant condition(age considered) 1840's/50's example of a Full Stock PA. Percussion Rifle typical of rifles made near Lancaster, Pa and as far west as Somerset, Co. PA. (Most offered to buy it for $1800.00 to $2500.). The rifle is not for sale!!
The Lock appears to have "Script" Letters, possible FL with the rest unreadable. There is no makers name on the top of the barrel although I was told there may be a makers name on the bottom of the barrel just forward of the breech plug. One person I spoke to speculated it could be a barrel provided to independant Gunsmiths by Remington. (beats me!).
At any rate I'm extremely reluctant to undertake disassembly of this rifle on my own. I do want the nipple replaced with a handmade "era" correct one and since the set trigger/trigger is not locking the hammer back I want that repaired. (the springs appear to function OK). I absolutely will not try that myself!! Essentially I want this rifle restored with the least disturbance to it's originality and potentialy to shooting condition.
I live near Gettysburg, Pa. and I'm willing to hand-deliever(300 miles or so)this rifle to a highly recommended Gunsmith for this job. Referances are solicited and will be checked.
I read in the latest 'American Rifleman' about the House Brothers in Kentucky and will be attempting to contact them but they may not be interested (nor my wallet either after having read the article).

I'll appreciate any and all comments and suggestions and info.

Mike Haas

[Teleoceras]

Mike:

At any rate I'm extremely reluctant to undertake disassembly of this rifle on my own. I do want the nipple replaced with a handmade "era" correct one and since the set trigger/trigger is not locking the hammer back I want that repaired. (the springs appear to function OK). I absolutely will not try that myself!! Essentially I want this rifle restored with the least disturbance to it's originality and potentialy to shooting condition.
I live near Gettysburg, Pa. and I'm willing to hand-deliever(300 miles or so)this rifle to a highly recommended Gunsmith for this job. Referances are solicited and will be checked.
I read in the latest 'American Rifleman' about the House Brothers in Kentucky and will be attempting to contact them but they may not be interested (nor my wallet either after having read the article).

I'll appreciate any and all comments and suggestions and info.

I know John Buck down in Virginia has done some excellent restoration work in addition to building new muskets. You might want to give him a call. His site is at http://www.musketmart.com.

Good luck!

[Embalmer]

John Zimmerman in HarpersFerry VA is also top notch when comes to muskets

Civil War rifles and Muskets by John Zimmerman - Gunsmith

[Capt Quahog]

Used to be a vintage gun parts seller on the East Coast called " Stoneman of the Delaware". Actual bought some oddball breach-block parts from him for a 1st Allen Conversion Springfield. That was about 25-years ago. To my understanding, Stoneman had much of the residue parts left over from New York's, Francis Bannerman company.

Purchased nipples for 1861 and 1864 Springfield rifled muskets too. Remember that those arms were often encountered with corroded nipples due to improper cleaning. Believe too, that some might have been reproduction parts. With a little aging, the components blended right in.