Joe Schell recently completed this NC rifle based on Number 194 in
William Ivey's NC book. The rifle exhibits clean lines with a minimum of
incised carving as did the original. The original had no nose cap, no
buttplate and does not have an entry thimble, yet had an incised line on
the forestock and incised volutes on the wrist. Guess the unknown
original maker just couldn't make a totally plain rifle. Joe's rifle is
built quite similarly to the original including the forged nail at the
heel to take the brunt of the wear when the rifle is loaded. A .54 cal.
42" C wgt. Rice barrel and an early Ketland lock with a hard piece of
relatively plain maple were used in making the rifle. Joe forged the
guard, made the trigger and silver moon inlay. Joe also made/forged the
sling attachment. Something the original did not have but wanted by the
customer. All in all I think the original maker would like Joe's
rendition of his work. As a plus the rifle is super accurate and fast.
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