Random observations on 1868's and GB

[carlsr]

I don’t know.

Something to research I guess?? The circled P has been deeply stamped and I've not seen that type of circle, not that I've looked at many flint locks.
You have a nice one there!!

[Fred Gaarde]

I think the P must be a Proof stamp.

[Dick Hosmer]

I have a rifled Pomeroy, possibly same year - will have to check - not quite as nice, with the "Belgian alteration" but not fitted with the long-range rear sight. The Hosmer (several of whom worked at SA 1809-1923) and Pomeroy families were distantly related.

[Fred Gaarde]

Wow!

[Fred Gaarde]

I'm envious. Those things are scarcer than Officer Model trapdoors, and probably only about 10% of those on the market in flintlock configuration are original flint, not reconversions.

That’s pretty interesting John. Time and attrition are tough on old guns, that’s for sure. How this particular musket survived like it has has got to be a rare occurrence.
The musket is so nice, I’m inclined to not even load it up and shoot it because I’ll have to clean it inside and out. Right now the bore appears to be unfired and very clean. Why, I ask myself, would I want to subject the musket to wear and tear?
There will be a WooshBang, a recoil and lots of smoke. Then the cleaning begins immediately afterward. Nope, been there done that with my old 1795 Asa Waters musket from Sutton, Mass.
I think I’ll resist the urge to fire it. For now anyway.

[Mark Daiute]

Back to the 1868's, one of the 11 I am watching just sold for $950.

[carlsr]

Back to the 1868's, one of the 11 I am watching just sold for $950.

Would that be this rifle?
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1078301076
If so ,that’s sort of high for a rifle in that condition especially with the pipe wrench marks around the barrel. Missing sight ladder along with initials carved in the stock.
I paid 900.00 for a 1868/70 that’s in excellent condition.

[Dick Hosmer]

Flaws noted, but I've seen a LOT worse for a good deal more!! The sight's an easy fix, and those initials are pretty faint. I think it is probably more a case of you being lucky than it being overpriced, at least terribly so.

[carlsr]

Flaws noted, but I've seen a LOT worse for a good deal more!! The sight's an easy fix, and those initials are pretty faint. I think it is probably more a case of you being lucky than it being overpriced, at least terribly so.

Points noted Dick.
Sure, you can replace the sight and possibly sand out those initials but those pipe wrench marks ??? Yeah, those aren't going away and who knows why they are there??
As far as me being lucky I have a rain cloud that follows me wherever I go but then again a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then

[FrankTrost]

Thanks for the insight. I, too, felt that way, but being a newer collector, I was just thinking it was market. I was waiting it out anyway.