Help ID - old .22 cal rifle

[BoltOperated]

I think it's a Browning based on proof marks...

If anyone here can help or point me to a site that specializes in such, I certainly would appreciate it. I have tried Browning Collectors Assoc. & FN Historical Society but have gotten no follow-up from them.

It's an old rifle from family estate that I would love to restore (if feasible). Unfortunately, it's missing some parts as you will see in the pics. The good news, is that the stock is in incredible shape for its age. I'm guessing it to be circa 1870's...?

My guess is that I will never find the parts to restore it anyway but I thought I would at least try to run it down.

Thanks for looking.
B
[email protected]

 

[oregonhunter]

Honestly I have that same rifle only it has no markings, got it from my grandfather when I was 7 or 8.

So I am really no help, just never seen another one like mine.

 

[garyhan]

All I can tell you is it is rifle of the Flobert type. Once very popular in Europe for close range target shooting. Usually meant for use with CB or BB caps. Made by dozens of differnt makers. Quality ran the full gamut. Hope someone can give you better info.

gary

 

[JohnBT]

The proof mark in pic 3 appears to be a Liege Belgium mark required by the British. It's listed under British in the linked list.

"1811-1892, Liege, black powder proof for rifles"

https://store.bluebookinc.com/Info/PDF/Firearm/Proofmarks.pdf

John

 

[BoltOperated]

JohnBT,

OK, that may be why I thought there was a Belgium connection with the proof mark. Thanks. I was assuming it was a .22 caliber simply because it has a "22" stamped beneath the barrel and it looks to be of that bore diameter.

I'm really bummed that it's missing some action pieces. If there's no hope of ever finding them, I will just sell it for a parts gun. Hopefully someone else, missing the parts that I have, can benefit.

 

[Jim Watson]

As said, it is a Flobert rifle. They were made by the millions in several different variations, running from weak and inexpensive to very weak and cheap.
If marked .22 then it is meant for CB caps, not even shorts.

 

[BoltOperated]

Jim,
Thanks! Good info... to bad it wasn't something worth playing with, oh well. B