Category: Blog

Appraising Antique Firearms

I get lots of requests for appraisals on antique rifles. Consequently, I felt I should make a general blog and FAQ post on the subject. In order to properly estimate the value of an antique firearm, it must be closely inspected, in person, including disassembly. Additionally, you should seek out an appraiser who routinely buys … Continue reading Appraising Antique Firearms

18th Century Gunsmithing Tools, Metal Cutting Brace Bits

Below are a couple of metal cutting drill bits for a brace, and the holes they bored in a 1/8″ thick brass plate. Also shown is an 18th century style countersink. I ground and sharpened the drill bits to form approximately 3/16″ and 1/4″ holes. The countersunk hole fits a #10 tang screw. The bits … Continue reading 18th Century Gunsmithing Tools, Metal Cutting Brace Bits

18th Century Gunsmithing Tools, Screw Plate & Circle Cutter

I just added a few more 18th century gunsmithing tools to my tool kit. One is a pristine early screw plate, probably from the late 18th century or early 19th century. I don’t think this thing has ever been used. It appears to still have the temper colors on it. At least it did, until … Continue reading 18th Century Gunsmithing Tools, Screw Plate & Circle Cutter

The Best Cleaner/Degreaser

A lot of you probably already know this, but I thought that I would repeat the information for the un-informed. Dawn® dishwashing detergent is the best commonly available cleaner and degreaser there is. For those of you who still wash you pots, pans, dishes, and silverware (especially actual silver) by hand, you know that a … Continue reading The Best Cleaner/Degreaser

18th Century Style Mens’ Pocketbook

Not too long ago, my osteopath told me I needed to take my overstuffed wallet out of my back pocket and ditch it. It was pretty ratty anyway; almost worn through in places. I shopped around for a replacement but just couldn’t find anything just right. I needed to carry my drivers license, registration, proof … Continue reading 18th Century Style Mens’ Pocketbook

Gun #14 – Left-handed, Iron Mounted, Southwest Virginia Longrifle

This is a fully iron mounted longrifle of the late flint period. Is is a left hand version of Gun #5, and has features found on Virginia longrifles from Rockbridge County into Southwest Virginia and Eastern Tennessee, but is of a style mostly of my own creation. It has a hand forged butt piece and … Continue reading Gun #14 – Left-handed, Iron Mounted, Southwest Virginia Longrifle

Gun #17 – 1770-1775 Augusta/Rockbridge Virginia Longrifle

This is going to be a carved and engraved longrifle for my brother based on the early Augusta/Rockbridge Virginia longrifle documented by Wallace Gusler in the Journal of Historical Armsmaking Technology (JHAT) Volume 2.  This Augusta/Rockbridge Virginia longrifle, by an unknown maker, probably dates from 1770-1775.   I am using a slightly earlier style lock and … Continue reading Gun #17 – 1770-1775 Augusta/Rockbridge Virginia Longrifle

Personal 1775-1785 Augusta/Rockbridge Virginia Longrifle

This was going to be a completely handmade rifle, but I have given in to realities of my health. I think a forge welded barrel is beyond me. So now, this is going to be made with a commercial lock and barrel. It still will be a highly carved and engraved rifle for my personal … Continue reading Personal 1775-1785 Augusta/Rockbridge Virginia Longrifle