Buying a 115-yr old homemade flintlock

[scruff]

I would like a flintlock. A Pennsylvania or Kentucky rifle. I assumed that I'd eventually buy a reproduction, but I just saw this on Craigslist. The guy says it was made in WV in 1907, and he bought it 4 years ago from the grandson. He hasn't shot it. He's asking $800.

Thoughts? What do you see in the pictures? What should I ask him? What should I look for if I go to see it? What's it worth? I know nothing about flintlocks, but I'd love to have one, and I'd rather have one with some history. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[SgtRecon]

Looks like a nice and well put together rifle, what leads you to call it homemade ? In 1907 Im sure many could have been assembled and fitted from parts sourced from various gunmakers of the time, much like the kits of today. What caliber ?

[Hodgie]

Thoughts?

That’s one hell of a nasty looking carpet, and couch combo.

What do you see in the pictures?

Filth, grime and a lack if general hygiene.

What should I ask him?

If he would take a carpet cleaner as partial trade.

What should I look for if I go to see it?

Black mold, bedbugs, and fleas.

[heatheroo]

The parts: lock, butt stock and trigger guard look like typical stuff available today. I have my doubts about the 1907 provenance. The wood is nothing special curl-wise, there's no carving or patch box.

That being said, if the price is right, it may be a good deal. To get an idea of whats available out there from semi-custom builders, go to the Track of the Wolf web-site and see what they have.

[P89]

I would like a flintlock. A Pennsylvania or Kentucky rifle. I assumed that I'd eventually buy a reproduction, but I just saw this on Craigslist. The guy says it was made in WV in 1907, and he bought it 4 years ago from the grandson. He hasn't shot it. He's asking $800.

These two rifles are the same. The term "Kentucky Rifle" became popular from the song "Hunter's of Kentucky".
From what I see its not high quality just from the wood alone. Probably built from a kit and probably not in 1907.

[Hoppy]

Overall looks decent. Hard to tell parts without real closeups. The way the finish on the wood catches the light says it's not smooth.
The stain looks blotchy to me also with one part even looking like pine not maple.

I would put $800 to a good kit if it were me. Without knowing the builder, not sure I'd put $400 to this.

[Walleye Hunter]

Good thing you ask first.

[P89]

For that price just buy new.

https://www.traditionsfirearms.com/p....5-inch-barrel

[heatheroo]

I missed that price of $800. Assuming it is a newer rifle...the make of the barrel (Getz, Rice) and lock (Siler, Chambers) may get you $800 in parts (when new) but the stock does not appear to be quality and the the build looks average.



If you are looking to buy new, Kibler or TVM are the best bang for the buck these days. Buy one of there “in the white” (unfinished) rifles and finish the stock and brown the barrel yourself

[Emptymag]

Is the spitter included?