Gunsmith/Collector/Historian Question

Comment by LINCARD1000

	From: lincard	Date: July 5th, 2011 09:18 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

Cannot assist you with the weapon, unfortunately. But bottles I know very well (I used to collect antique bottles). If you can get me some good shots of those I should be able to get you some idea of age/value.

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	From: red_pill	Date: July 5th, 2011 09:31 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

i might be able to help on the surgical tools. i know someone who dose reserch in to the history of medicen (She works at the old oprating theater musume). no word on value, i suspect, but proberbly information on the tools and there use.

she worrys me by describeing in detail how to amputate my arm...

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	From: wobblerlorri	Date: July 5th, 2011 01:24 pm (UTC)		(Permalink)

Looks like rosewood grips. A little poking around says it's probably worth between $500 and $2000 if it's real and someone can figure out the manufacturer.

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	From: a_newchapter4me	Date: July 5th, 2011 01:59 pm (UTC)		(Permalink)

Because of the shape of the lock and grip, it seems to look like an Allen and Thurbers mid 1800s. But the grip is so detailed that maybe it was made for a specific individual. If that is the case that might account for there not being any markings.

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	From: kierthos	Date: July 5th, 2011 03:08 pm (UTC)		(Permalink)

I know very little about guns, mind you, but even then, there should be a maker's mark or stamp.

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	From: charon52	Date: July 5th, 2011 04:43 pm (UTC)		(Permalink)

If you can CAREFULLY remove the grips, there might be a maker's marking under there- common place to "hide" them. Use a gunsmith's screwdriver (parallel sides) and a drop or two of PB-Blaster or Kroil on the thread end. NO WD-40 or modern gun oils, please.

I'm sure you know to NOT fire it until it's been inspected and checked, and even then- light load with GOEX, not Pyrodex or other modern Blackpowder substitutes.

Also- Dixie Gun Works might be able to help identify it: http://www.dixiegunworks.com/ or if nothing else, they'll have parts to get it shooting safely again (provided you can find a place to shoot Blackpowder).

Don't know what your level of experience with BP is, but if you need the specialty tools, chemicals, etc let me know- I've got a Hawken clone that I use GOEX in :) when I can find a place and time to shoot it.

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	From: guinnevere_b	Date: July 6th, 2011 04:06 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

Other than waiting for the Antiques Roadshow to arrive in town, I got no helpful advice, 'cause I'm a total Sgt. Schultz about guns ("I know nothinnnnnggg!"), but that is the coolest looking pistol I've seen in many a day.

Also, glad to see you back, I've missed your posts.

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	From: jblaque	Date: July 7th, 2011 07:42 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

Nice of you to say... thank you. :)

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	From: mock26	Date: July 7th, 2011 07:57 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

I do not know old guns like that, but I did an extensive search on the internet and after over an hour I turned up nothing like that. It could very well be a one of a kind item. Most of the pepper boxes that I found did not have an extended hammer like that one nor the exposed nipples that were so close to the trigger guard. The fact that it is percussion cap will at least tell you that it is 1830+. I would suggest that you find some antique gun forums and ask there.

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	From: mock26	Date: July 7th, 2011 07:58 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

PS Any idea on the caliber? That could help in trying to identify it.

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	From: jblaque	Date: July 7th, 2011 08:26 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

No idea. The barrel looks to be about the size of a .25, or possibly a .32, but I'm thinking it was built for ball ammunition.

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	From: mock26	Date: July 7th, 2011 08:42 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

Yeah, with nipples for percussion caps it is pretty much a guarantee that it is a "muzzleloader." Still, every bit of info can help narrow down the search. Can you take a measurement?

Also, any information on the Doctor? Is there a name associated with the bag?

Also also, ever seen the show History Detectives on PBS? Send them an e-mail. This might pique their interest enough to possible get you on the show! Like I said, I am no expert, but I spent a lot of time do image searches and I have not seen anything like it. Mention that and it might help get their attention.

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	From: mock26	Date: July 7th, 2011 08:43 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

If you do contact History Detectives be sure to mention the medical kit! They love a good mystery.

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	From: jblaque	Date: July 7th, 2011 09:12 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

The gun measures 8" long (barrel itself is 3.5").

No info whatsoever in the doctor bag. The bottles and tins don't even have labels.

Yes, I am going to send an e-mail to History Detectives tomorrow. Thanks again!

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	From: mock26	Date: July 8th, 2011 01:37 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

My pleasure!

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	From: mock26	Date: July 7th, 2011 08:12 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

Maybe send an e-mail to the folks over at Fare Consultants?

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	From: jblaque	Date: July 7th, 2011 08:27 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

You know someone there I can name-drop (so I don't have to pay an appraisal fee)?

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	From: mock26	Date: July 7th, 2011 08:37 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

Sorry, no. I just found their "pepperbox" page and it was extensive, but no matches. I figured that if you send them an e-mail with your pictures that you have nothing to lose. If they request an appraisal fee then just pretend that you never sent it to them.

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	From: jblaque	Date: July 7th, 2011 08:41 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

Good thought (thank you)... maybe I'll do just that.

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	From: mock26	Date: July 7th, 2011 08:48 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

Closest I could find was a Stocking & Co. pepperbox, but it is still not a match.

Link

That hammer really sets it apart from most other pepperboxes, such as the Allen and Thurber.

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	From: mock26	Date: July 7th, 2011 08:51 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

Just have to say that I got some fun hits when doing an image search for Stockings & Co pepperbox.

:-D

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	From: jblaque	Date: July 7th, 2011 09:16 am (UTC)		(Permalink)

"...image search for Stockings & Co pepperbox."

-_- ...

o_o ...

o_O ...

O_o ...

O_O ...

(><)

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	From: shawnmyers	Date: July 13th, 2011 07:49 pm (UTC)		(Permalink)

http://texasguntrader.com/

folks there can get you the answers you seek

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