How Much is Original?

[Loyalist Dave]

So, in London there is a rifle that " Belonged to Colonel John Thomas, commander of the Spartan regiment of militia in South Carolina. His son Captain Robert Thomas had the rifle at the Battle of Mudlick Creek. It was subsequently presented to George IV by Major George Hanger, being refurbished in London by the gunsmith Durs Egg." https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/61069/flintlock-rifle

The question is how much of this rifle was there to "refurbish"? Note that the stock is two-piece, with the glue joint just behind where the rear sight is attached to the barrel..., there are barrel keys not pins but no nose cap. There appears to be a single, set-trigger...was this changed over from the original? There is a single lock screw but no side plate, which might be more in keeping with the AWI, and the metal patch box doesn't have a hinge that is paralel the the shooter's shoulder, but is paralel to the comb..., a lot of 19th century style items for a rifle captured at Mudlick Creek in 1779, eh?

LD

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

The style is somewhat reminiscent of Lancaster county, the stock is definitely repaired. I think the ramrod thimbles are replacements. Most likely replaced when the stock was repaired. Not sure about the single set trigger. It is an odd mixture of a poor boy rifle and an ornate custom gun. I've seen that style somewhere, just gotta look it up. Will get back to you.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

Just finished looking up the rifle, I believe it may have come from Westmoreland county although the patchbox is not quite right. Very few rifles from that area had that simple of a patchbox. I am basing this mostly on the relief carving on the buttstock. Also the barrel keys are wrong. The lack of a side plate seems a bit odd too, like the customer was trying to shave cost as much as possible. Stock shape reminds me of Thomas Allison's work but it is not nearly ornate enough. So, front part of the stock is replaced along with all the hardware, possible single set trigger added, patchbox may have been added. Side plate may have stood proud of the wood and was lost.