Anyone know a good 'smith/conservator who could handle the following in Colorado:
Have a 1820's vintage Squirrel rifle, belonged to my great great great grandfather, Albert Collins. Its not in shooting shape, (in fact rough shape)> I'd like to have it cleaned (there is a rust build up on some of the iron fittings) and the stock/metal stabilized against further decay. The rifle is only worth about $100, the accutrements (bullet mould, horn, bullet block worth another $100).
Obviously the intent is not to restore it to shooting condition, rather to keep it from rusting further and stabilize the wood (which has a curious bullet hole through the stock).
As far as I know this rifle has an English Lock, was converted from flint to percussion in the 1840-50's, and the barrel was made by a blacksmith in Penn. Rifle stayed in WVa until 10 years ago when it made the trip out west to Colorado with my dad.
Please respond via PM, e-mail or post.
Have a 1820's vintage Squirrel rifle, belonged to my great great great grandfather, Albert Collins. Its not in shooting shape, (in fact rough shape)> I'd like to have it cleaned (there is a rust build up on some of the iron fittings) and the stock/metal stabilized against further decay. The rifle is only worth about $100, the accutrements (bullet mould, horn, bullet block worth another $100).
Obviously the intent is not to restore it to shooting condition, rather to keep it from rusting further and stabilize the wood (which has a curious bullet hole through the stock).
As far as I know this rifle has an English Lock, was converted from flint to percussion in the 1840-50's, and the barrel was made by a blacksmith in Penn. Rifle stayed in WVa until 10 years ago when it made the trip out west to Colorado with my dad.
Please respond via PM, e-mail or post.
