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Author Topic: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?  (Read 1463 times)

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Offline WESTTX4570

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Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« on: March 09, 2010, 10:50:45 AM »
Was hoping someone could help me out here. Picked up this 45 cal. percussion muzzleloader for a song. Fella I bought it from said all it was doing is collecting dust and rust. He said that he had bought it in the early 80's, thinking he would get into muzzleloading, but never did. Has a beautiful walnut (burled?) stock, which I will get some better pics of, about a 30" octogon barrel that is about 2" in diameter with the last inch being round. The gun weighs about 17lbs, its heavy. The markings on the lock are N Ashmore and on the barrel it is stamped M.J. Hough. If anyone can help me out with any history or worth, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Brandon
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Offline Cuts Crooked

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2010, 11:34:07 AM »
Kinda reminds me of Dixie Gun Works Tryon rifle.

No wonder you got it fer a song....the ramrod is missing! ;)

What song wuz it? :D
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Offline Swampman

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #2 on: March 09, 2010, 11:50:51 AM »
It looks like an original rifle to me.

http://www.joesalter.com/detail.php?f_qryitem=13297

http://www.soldusa.com/detail.asp?id=24032&bigpic=0#img

I'd say it was made in Ohio in the early to mid 19th c.  The lock is from a PA maker I believe.
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Offline Rangr44

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #3 on: March 09, 2010, 12:27:31 PM »
Yep - If he bought it in the -80's, it musta been the 1880's.  ;)

It looks like what used to be referred to in Ned Robert's book The Muzzle-loading Cap Lock Rifle as a 40 Rod gun, from the late 1800's.

I would wager, if you tried it, the round part near the muzzle is actually a removeable false muzzle, aligned via pins, which was used to guide the bullet during loading, then removed for the shot.

If the face of the muzzle just has the pin holes (usually 4) in it, then the false muzzle which matches the round part of the barrel has gone missing.

Since you picked it up for a song, start singing - and you better dance your happy dance.
You made a score worth $1500-$2K, minimum.

.
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Offline WESTTX4570

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #4 on: March 09, 2010, 01:42:26 PM »
It doesnt have the cap on the end of the muzzle for sure, I will check on the pin hole this evening.
A song = $75
Holy smokes on that price range, cant tell the ole lady that if know what I mean.
The only thing I can find on M.J. Hough is :
M.J. Hough worked in Alexander, Licking County, Ohio 1858 - 1861 and in Granville, Licking County, Ohio 1861 - 1865 as a gunsmith.
Thanks Guys for all your input

Brandon
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Offline Rangr44

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #5 on: March 09, 2010, 02:40:48 PM »


Who knows ? An 1858-1865 DOM is early enough, that it "might" have seen use during the Civil War as a conscripted sniper rifle.

But, probably not - a target/sporting rifle, for sure.

Do yerself a favor - Get your paws on a copy of Ned Roberts book (above).

.
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Offline WESTTX4570

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #6 on: March 09, 2010, 02:55:37 PM »
I sure will Rangr, Thank you very much. I will get some better pics posted, and check for marks on the underside of the barrel.
Brandon
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Offline WESTTX4570

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #7 on: March 09, 2010, 03:14:25 PM »
Rangr,
Do you know much about pistols of that era? My Grandad gave me a five shot revolver that he said his grandfather carried. It looks to be a 22 short, birds head grip, nickel plated, total length is about 6 inches long. I'll post some pics as soon as I get my wife to get her camera out, my phone doesnt do so well as you can tell by the last pics.
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Offline deadrabbit

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #8 on: March 09, 2010, 03:29:40 PM »
Everyone gets lucky once in a while.  Nice gun!  Enjoy it.
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Offline WESTTX4570

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #9 on: March 09, 2010, 03:34:04 PM »
I know, I feel like I won the lottery.
I will
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Offline stubshaft

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #10 on: March 09, 2010, 03:37:16 PM »
A GREAT FIND!

It was definitely an original rifle.  Contact the NMLRA they may have some more information on the gunsmith and any other rifles he produced.
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Offline Swampman

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #11 on: March 09, 2010, 03:40:24 PM »
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"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

1st Special Operations Wing 1975-1983
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"Manus haec inimica tyrannis / Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" ~Algernon Sidney~

Offline WESTTX4570

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #12 on: March 09, 2010, 03:49:12 PM »
Sure will guys, I appreciate it.
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Offline bubba.50

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #13 on: March 09, 2010, 07:05:04 PM »
i'll tell ya what ya have---------a lot of jealous people lookin' at pictures of your gun ;) ;D :o!!! my opinion and you're welcome to it. have a good'en neighbor and enjoy that fine rifle, bubba.
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Offline WESTTX4570

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Re: Picked up for a song..Now what do I have?
« Reply #14 on: March 10, 2010, 04:20:18 AM »
Thank you very much Bubba
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