ID this PA long rifle

P

Pittsburgh

Inactive
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Any information on this rifle would be greatly appreciated. No markings on the 40in rifled barrel,~.38 cal, lock plate says JOS GOLCHER. Looks to have a rough history with an interesting repair at the wrist.

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It could have been made by any of dozens of gun makers anywhere up and down the East coast.

The only way to figure it out for sure would be to either find the maker's mark on the barrel, or to have an expert look at it and see if it has any distinctive characteristics that can be attributed to one maker.
 
Interesting rifle and obviously that it was much used - too bad it can't talk as I'm sure it could tell some fine tales.

As already stated, Golcher was a manufacturer of locks used by many gunsmiths. They are currently being reproduced - I've used several on rifles that I've built and they are nice locks.

In looking at the close-up of the lock, I have to question if the hammer is not a replacement - possibly a repro Golcher hammer. if you look at the amount of pitting on the barrel, drum and lockplate - the hammer should show considerable more age and wear - usually if an original has that much pitting, etc. - the hammer cup shows considerable wear as well. The nipple does not line up with the nose which is not indicative of anything as drums can move over time and cause a misalignment - but - the hammer cup should be showing more wear. Possibly it doesn't show in the photo but from what I'm seeing, the hammer just looks "too good".

This is not meant as criticism or finding fault with it. I've purchased a number of originals over the years and some have had damaged hammers, some have been missing either main springs or sear springs, etc. - in "restoring" them, either original parts or appropriate modern made parts should be used. IF this is a replacement hammer, whoever did it used the appropriate hammer. Whether it is or not - the rifle is a very interesting one and it would be a nice addition to have for any collection. Good luck in your quest for finding the maker. Thanks! :)
 
You know, I never noticed that, but now that you say it, yes, I'd say that that hammer is a modern replacement.

Those old mercuric fulminate caps were absolute hell on the soft steels. They burned VERY hot and very violently, and would pit the living hell out of nipples and the lock plate as can be clearly seen.
 
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