Texasbadger

Thanks guys, the next time I take it out of the stock I will take plug out if it doesnt give me too much trouble, dont want to damage or gouge anything. Will swab it out from the bore. I used bamboo kitchen cooking skewers and cut them to fit and they fit tightly and perfectly to secure barrel to stock. If they used brass rods I will do that eventually? My Iphone shows them oriented correctly which is a pain when they load upside down, will try that fix

Okay that got me interested and barrel came off with out an issue, no visible signature and Im used to looking at old sword tangs, no sign at all. Did give me a chance to wipe down that side before reinstalling.

Will do so tomorrow and use proper tools. Was wondering if the original pins securing stock to barrel were bamboo or brass? The one remaining is loose and appears to be bamboo

Hello guys, I have been prowling this site for quite awhile and just joined. This matchlock came into the show this Saturday covered in grime but still in overall great condition. It looks to be almost 80 caliber by gauge,,,,a penny fits just about right in bore, has a stamp that a friend idenified as being used between 1871 and 1873, Also there is a red laquer rack number on bottom of stock. Used som sword polish cream and the silver dragon and mon just jumped out without disturbing patina of barrel. Can someone assist in dating this firearm, and is it worth effort to remove it from stock to see if signed? Only one peg present securing stock to barrel. The "hammer" doesnt lock back and the trigger moves but cant see how it functions unless it pulls a pin in from inside edge of hammer, releasing it. There is a hole on the outside that seems to make sense as a safety or where the trigger pin would go through and hold hammer back. All help appreciated!