Willis & Brothers Long Gun - Need Help

RPiratzky

April 07, 2015 08:32

We had started a topic last week regarding a Long Gun that was supposedly made by a Willis & Brothers. We have since gotten more photo's and would appreciate any help in identifying who the correct maker is. The barrel is marked Willis & Brothers.

Thank you

http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/BWHornbeck1/media/11146160_10206538414960866_386110618_n.jpg.html

http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/BWHornbeck1/media/11139527_10206538416400902_455560251_n.jpg.html

http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/BWHornbeck1/media/11134441_10206538412600807_288933528_n.jpg.html

http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/BWHornbeck1/media/1 056.jpg.html

http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/BWHornbeck1/media/1 054.jpg.html

http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/BWHornbeck1/media/1 052.jpg.html

http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/BWHornbeck1/media/1 051.jpg.html

http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/BWHornbeck1/media/1 050.jpg.html

http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/BWHornbeck1/media/1 049.jpg.html

http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/BWHornbeck1/media/1 047.jpg.html

http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/BWHornbeck1/media/1 046.jpg.html

http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/BWHornbeck1/media/1 043.jpg.html

http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/BWHornbeck1/media/adirondack 053.jpg.html

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  RPiratzky

  April 07, 2015 08:32

  Sorry for the other post that contained a link to the pictures. This is the first time we have used Photo Bucket. Again we could use your help in identifying this long gun.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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  1KYDSTR

  April 07, 2015 12:44

  Only reference I can find is for two different gun makers from the Revolutionary war period, one in Philly Pennsylvania, the other a Lancaster Pa listed gun maker publicly accused of treason in 1778. The former, John Willis was a member of the Commitee of Safety in 1775 and produced 200 guns at ?4, 5 shillings each. If it is John Willis, I assume you better hang onto that one like grim death. Sure hope someone comes along here that has ANY more knowledge of this thing than I do! It looks like really, really good work from the Colonial/Revolutionary war period. Having said that, it doesn't look like a military musket...that .45 cal, rifled barrel makes me think it's post war and John had set up shop with his son(s) producing Pennsylvania rifles of the sporting variety. Good luck; judging by the craftsmanship, that family musta produced some really excellent gun smiths!

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  swearengine

  April 07, 2015 13:20

  The lock, being marked warranted, is from 1840 onward.

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  RPiratzky

  April 10, 2015 05:10

  We ended up getting the answer regarding the percussion long gun.
  
  The rifle is a drum-and-nipple conversion from a flintlock with someone using an older barrel and a more modern percussion-era lock and was a put together gun. Over all value, maybe $500 - $700.
  
  Thank you for folks who looked at it and had some possible answers.

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  navc130

  April 10, 2015 05:49

  I respectfully disagree. My assessment is that it is an original caplock rifle from the mid 1800's, +- 20 years. There is no indication that it is converted from flintlock. In overall Good condition, value would be $400 to 600. Value really depends on how bad a collector wants that particular rifle in the condition that it is in. The nice patchbox is a plus.

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  charliemeyer007

  April 10, 2015 07:17

  Sure looks to me there is a ruminant of a pan on the lock right below the drum. So what is the animal on the patch box lid?

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  Spider7115

  April 10, 2015 07:32

  quote:Originally posted by charliemeyer007
  Sure looks to me there is a ruminant of a pan on the lock right below the drum. So what is the animal on the patch box lid?
  
  It looks more to me like the lock was cut, filed and shaped to accommodate the drum.

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  1KYDSTR

  April 10, 2015 10:18

  That engraving is of a hunting dog.

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  RPiratzky

  April 11, 2015 05:08

  The identification and appraisal that we received came from a firearms appraiser at one of the top firearms auction houses in the country. Since they sell about $3 to $5 million dollars at every 3 day auction they hold we have to take stock in what they have told us.

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