I found an old muzzle loader here in winter haven fl...please help me identify it!?

Question

i was clearing lake front property and pushed up an old muzzle loader! i need help with the year and make...if any one can help me it would be great.. if you give me your e-mail address ill send some pics of it.

Direct links to the pics in photobucket...I don't know how to post the actual pics on here.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/melcapps_2007/HPIM0299.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/melcapps_2007/HPIM0298.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/melcapps_2007/HPIM0297.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/melcapps_2007/HPIM0295.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/melcapps_2007/HPIM0294.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/melcapps_2007/HPIM0293.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/melcapps_2007/HPIM0292.jpg

Answer 1

it could be an old percussion trade gun but it appears to have a stainless steel nipple which means its probably a late model less than 20 years old these were real popular in the late 1970s early1980s. an old one would also have a patch box inleted into the stock. my guess would be its was sold under the traditions label.my advice is use it for a wall hanger it has no value. but let a gun shop look at it , I could be wrong , wouldn't be the first time

Answer 2

JamesJ,

LaSalle was French. To the best of my knowledge, the only Spanish explorers in that area were DeSoto's expedition. Coronado came close and it might have been some of his people who wandered away from the main party, but DeSoto would be the best bet.

Kris,

I second the Photobucket.com suggestions. I don't claim to be an expert, but I've fooled around with old guns for over 30 years.

Doc

Answer 3

Policy won't allow me to give out my address, but you can post a photo link below your question, under additional details. Put your photo on photobucket or flikr -easily and quickly done, and add it to your question. Of course it could be any thing, But when I think of muzzleloaders and Florida I think of the Spanish Explorers....wouldn't it be cool if it was a Spanish Matchlock! That would be a true piece of history worthy of a museum! You might dig around more in the same area and find the owner - or his affects at least! In Hot Springs Ar. they dug up a Spanish Conquistidor helmet and a halbred in the downtown area, it's now on display at the National Park Museum. The only Spaniards of the period to pass through Hot Springs was the LaSalle party!

Answer 4

Congratulations you are the proud owner of a old Lyman great plain percussion rifle. Looks to have been outdoors for a few years something like 5-8 years.Really curious as to why it was left there.oh well one may never know.

http://www.lymanproducts.com/lymanproducts/rifles.htm

Answer 5

I know a little about firearms and history plus I've got a relative who's a small arms engineer
[e-mail]

Answer 6

The value of your old rifle is $0 but as a curio you might get $20 for it.

Answer 7

I can help you.
I am a collector & have various books & publications & other resources I can utilize to look up your muzzleloader & help you with identification.

Post your question & photos on my website;
http://www.antiqueweapons.org