Hi, need some experts for an assist here. I received this item approximately thirty years ago from an uncle who had been in government service. At the time he presented it to me he stated that he had received it from a "tribal chief". Since my uncles government service included both domestic and foreign travels I was unsure of exactly what tribe he might have been alluding to. At the time, I did not think this was an important item. I was after-all a young boy with a "tribal weapon." Sadly I can no longer ask my uncle about this matter.
The rifle is a smooth bore, approx. 56" long (barrel length approx. 50"). The barrel was originally held to the stock by six (6) thin silver metal band (approx. 1 - 1.5" wide). Unfortunately they are no longer with the weapon. I am attaching a photo of the firing mechanism. The frizzen is reversed (poor gunsmithing on the part of a young boy) and I have never put it back in it's proper position. It still has the flint and black hard putty like material holding it in place. The covering appears to be black bear fur with a leather tie, as does the small piece which the flint would rest on.
Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
The rifle is a smooth bore, approx. 56" long (barrel length approx. 50"). The barrel was originally held to the stock by six (6) thin silver metal band (approx. 1 - 1.5" wide). Unfortunately they are no longer with the weapon. I am attaching a photo of the firing mechanism. The frizzen is reversed (poor gunsmithing on the part of a young boy) and I have never put it back in it's proper position. It still has the flint and black hard putty like material holding it in place. The covering appears to be black bear fur with a leather tie, as does the small piece which the flint would rest on.
Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.