J.M. Caswell Kentucky Long Rifle

[aaronc]

Hello,
I have a buddy who has asked me to do a little research online about an antique rifle of his. Thus far what I have been able to find is very limited. It is a Kentucky long rifle with a heavy octagon barrel. It weighs in at 13 lbs. I dont have any pics at the moment but it looks to be a tiger striped maple stock and it has some ornate brass inlays of a fox on one side of the stock and a german style deer on the other. The top of the barrel has "J.M. CASWELL LANSINGBURGH" on it and the lock is marked "R.S. CLARK EXTRA".
I have seen that Lansingburgh is now Troy, New York and I have found other rifles with the Caswell mark on old auction house postings but nothing current and the posts give no background on the gun maker himself. I have seen where R.S. Clark was of English descent but there is even less information available on him. Just looking for some basic info such as a range of years that Caswell produced his firearms and things of that nature. Any information at all would be more than I have been able to find so far. If anyone would have any info to share on the subject that would be great.

Best Regards,
Aaron
Leitchfield. KY

 

[HorizontalHunter]

Aaron,

That sounds like a beautiful rifle and I would love to see some pics. I would recommend that you post this, and some pics on this forum:

http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/fusionbb.php?

You will have to join but it is free and you will find that their focus is old style muzzleloaders only and many of the members are a wealth of information.

Bob

 

[aaronc]

Bob,
I'll get some pics together and do that. I'll swing back in and send you a PM to the link when I post it. Thanks for the response.
Aaron

 

[jtcoinflip]

So over the weekend my mom came to visit and gave me this gun from my grandfather, I would like to know more information about it if possible. the side says Moore & Baker and the top of the barrel says J.M. Caswell Lansingburgh. There is also a trapdoor in the stock as well. any information would be greatly appreciated. thank you.

 

[MisterHappy]

Contact James Whisker (info in link)

http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=43384.0

He's written several books and I've had some long-distance dealings with him.

 

[jtcoinflip]

Great thank you!

 

[AllaSnackbah]

Wow thats really cool