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Old Rifle Value HELP

odentheviking
Hello All,
Need some help with a rifle/musket one of my relatives picked up. Its a Tennesse Long Rifle made in the 1830's to 1840's. Very good cond. never cut down in the barrel or stock, no damage, perc. cap not flintlock. We think this as the name on the barrel is "John G. L. Selzidge", a local historian says this man made rifles right there in the same town this rifle was found!, Cleveland Tenn., born 1808 died 1848. This maker is liste din a book,"Notes on Southern Long Rifles" by Jerry Noble.

The question is.... What is it worth?

Having some issues with photo's , will post some later.
Thanks,
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • nord
    Oden -

    May I suggest a visit to <Americanlongrifles.com>? ALR being a totally non-commercial site devoted to the study of the long rifle. Have a look at out Virtual Library & Museum while you're there.

    I'll assist you with putting up photos if you have a problem and I'd almost guarantee that you'll receive a detailed answer to most of your questions at ALR... Minus an appraisal. Too may variables, too many chances for error, and too many differing opinions. And also against ethics.

    Here are some general rules of the road:

    Unsigned and unadorned fullstock flint or percussion rifles in original condition... These pieces may be easily purchased from perhaps $400 on up to $1000.

    Signed "Poor Boy"... Usually a very utilitarian piece. $900 - $2500 depending on the maker and condition. (Assuming in good original condition.)

    Then we begin to get into the fancier rifles. These are valued as works of art. They may or may not be signed, but their artistry is significant. Again, much depends on the maker, the condition, and overall quality. Very seldom does one of these guns go for less than $2500. From there on the values can go wild easily reaching the mid five figure level.

    GunBroker is a great site and I've been a member for many years, but GB isn't really about antique long rifles. This is why I'm inviting you to visit ALR. ALR is ONLY about antique long rifles.
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  • odentheviking
    Thank you for the information.
    My cousin sent me some pics via e-mail and I am having some issues transfering them to my "photobucket" account. I'll keep working on it, at work now and will have to wait awhile.
    Thanks, Paul.
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  • odentheviking
    Here are some pics.....

    http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/tiger_rifles/PB200273.jpg

    http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/tiger_rifles/PB200272.jpg

    http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/tiger_rifles/PB200271.jpg

    http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/tiger_rifles/PB200270.jpg

    http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/tiger_rifles/PB200269.jpg
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  • perry shooter
    interesting piece.
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  • jjmitchell60
    It is a interesting gun and you have been given some excellent advice from above. GB is not a site for this type gun. With that said let me add a couple of things. ANY and ALL markings will help in identifying it as well as caliber. Is it smooth bore or rifled as well helps. From what the historian told you and the fact it is a percussion would lend me to think that is could have been a flinter first and converted to percussion but that is a partial WAG. Check out the Long rifle Association and see what they have to say. Alos not putting your pictures down BUT the better the pictures are the more info they will tell anyone trying to help you out in identifying and putting a value on this rifle. Also check with the National Muzzle Loading Rifl;e Association for some others who can help you with it. Here is their site:
    http://www.NMLRA.org
    Hope this helps.

    No offers to Buy!
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  • nord
    Nice iron-mounted southern rifle. It appears uncut and unmolested. I suspect a two screw lock plate which is a good indication that the rifle was always percussion. Your photos don't tell that story.

    No patchbox or even a grease hole. Not a demerit, only an observation. Triggers cause me a bit of question as to original or replacements.

    I'd conclude that this is an example of a typical southern home rifle. Well built for a purpose. No frills. Overall a nice looking rifle. The southern flavor and signature will increase value. (It is signed, isn't it?) On the other hand this isn't a piece endowed with much (if any) artistry. Absent a good photo series I'd be inclined to place it at the middle to upper end of what we call the "Poor Boys".

    A nice rifle no matter what!
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