Can anyone identify this antique rimfire rifle? - The Firearms Forum

Bobwrc · 05-13-2012, 05:29 PM

Can anyone identify this rifle?
It is a single shot, rolling block, rimfire, that is over 100 years old, I think.
It belonged to my Dad, who was an avid small bore rifleman who competed Nationally, back in the late 30's & up till WWII.
I have had it tucked away for many years, and it is in the same condition now that it was back in the early 1940s.
The bore is about 8.5 mm. or .335", and it is definitely a rimfire. the barrel is 18-3/4", and the rifle is 35" in length overall. the stock is wood, either walnut or Maple, I think.
There are no visible stamped letters or numbers on the gun, but I have never taken it apart to see if there are any internally.
The bore is bright, and rust free.
I've never made a serious effort to find out what this rifle is, but those who I have asked; have never been able to identify it, and the books that I have looked at pertaining to antique firearms have never shown anything like it.
If anyone does know what this rifle is, or knows of someone who might know;
I'd sure appreciate any info that you can provide.

Hawg · 05-13-2012, 06:47 PM

It's not a rolling block but it is a parlor rifle.

Jim K · 05-13-2012, 07:38 PM

Beats me, but .35 caliber would be pretty big for a parlor rifle; they usually run 4-6mm.

Bobwrc, can you tell what the conical thing is on the top tang. Is it a base for some kind of tang sight or could it be for some other purpose?

Jim

WHSmithIV · 05-13-2012, 08:23 PM

Are there any stamped markings anywhere on rifle? Trigger guard? Butt plate? Anything at all may help identify it.

WHSmithIV · 05-13-2012, 08:58 PM

I'm thinking this may be a Flobert from Belgium - it is very much like one of the old 32 rimfire designs they had (Maynard also had one similar). There should be a stamp on the underside of the barrel and it could be very worn so I suggest going over every metal surface with a magnifying glass to look for stamped markings.

REPEATER · 05-13-2012, 09:10 PM

how do you load it? is that a trap door type, single shot? is the barrel round, hex, or is it flat on top? cant really tell

Bobwrc · 05-13-2012, 09:41 PM

I don't know the purpose of the conical post with a hole & set screw, that is just behind the hammer, but thought that it might be for some sort of accessory sighting device.
I have looked real close for any stamped or engraved numbers, wording, etc., on the exterior surfaces, and there are none to be seen.
I have never taken the rifle apart, but it would seem logical to me that any identifying markings would be far more likely, on the outside.
It is a single shot and regarding loading; it appears that a cartridge was just inserted manually and then the swing type bolt/block with the firing pin is rotated 90 degrees, to the closed position (seen in the first two photos).
The hammer has to be cocked manually.

Gabob · 05-13-2012, 09:54 PM

Looks like the base for a tang sight behind the breech. Wonder what served as extractor?

REPEATER · 05-13-2012, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabob

Looks like the base for a tang sight behind the breech. Wonder what served as extractor?

hold and shake method. been around for ages. saying goes, ''if you shake it more than twice, you playing with it.''

Hawg · 05-14-2012, 04:47 AM

Proof marks are often hidden or in unusual places.

Bobwrc · 05-14-2012, 10:58 AM

I have looked again, using bright lights, and a magnifier, and there are no visible markings, (letters - numbers - insignia - logos) on any of the exterior components of this rifle.

Regarding the extractor; there is one.
When the rolling block is swung open, 90 degrees to the left, as shown in the photographs; and the hammer is manually cocked, there is an internal extension type arm on it that has a small lip, or ridge, that moves rearward pulling the shell casing out, by its rim flange.
This rifle appears to be very well made. There are no cheap stamped or crudely machined parts visible.

05-13-2012, 05:29 PM	#1
Bobwrc Former Guest Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Avon, CT Posts: 8	Can anyone identify this antique rimfire rifle? Can anyone identify this rifle? It is a single shot, rolling block, rimfire, that is over 100 years old, I think. It belonged to my Dad, who was an avid small bore rifleman who competed Nationally, back in the late 30's & up till WWII. I have had it tucked away for many years, and it is in the same condition now that it was back in the early 1940s. The bore is about 8.5 mm. or .335", and it is definitely a rimfire. the barrel is 18-3/4", and the rifle is 35" in length overall. the stock is wood, either walnut or Maple, I think. There are no visible stamped letters or numbers on the gun, but I have never taken it apart to see if there are any internally. The bore is bright, and rust free. I've never made a serious effort to find out what this rifle is, but those who I have asked; have never been able to identify it, and the books that I have looked at pertaining to antique firearms have never shown anything like it. If anyone does know what this rifle is, or knows of someone who might know; I'd sure appreciate any info that you can provide. -->

05-13-2012, 06:47 PM	#2
Hawg Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,586	Re: Can anyone identify this antique rimfire rifle? It's not a rolling block but it is a parlor rifle.

05-13-2012, 07:38 PM	#3
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Can anyone identify this antique rimfire rifle? Beats me, but .35 caliber would be pretty big for a parlor rifle; they usually run 4-6mm. Bobwrc, can you tell what the conical thing is on the top tang. Is it a base for some kind of tang sight or could it be for some other purpose? Jim

05-13-2012, 08:23 PM	#4
WHSmithIV Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Moore, Idaho contributor Posts: 2,798	Re: Can anyone identify this antique rimfire rifle? Are there any stamped markings anywhere on rifle? Trigger guard? Butt plate? Anything at all may help identify it.

05-13-2012, 08:58 PM	#5
WHSmithIV Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Moore, Idaho contributor Posts: 2,798	Re: Can anyone identify this antique rimfire rifle? I'm thinking this may be a Flobert from Belgium - it is very much like one of the old 32 rimfire designs they had (Maynard also had one similar). There should be a stamp on the underside of the barrel and it could be very worn so I suggest going over every metal surface with a magnifying glass to look for stamped markings.

05-13-2012, 09:10 PM	#6
REPEATER V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 249	Re: Can anyone identify this antique rimfire rifle? how do you load it? is that a trap door type, single shot? is the barrel round, hex, or is it flat on top? cant really tell __________________ If you ain't 1st, you're (per ALPO) last (Ricky Bobby) Last edited by REPEATER; 05-13-2012 at 09:24 PM..

05-13-2012, 09:41 PM	#7
Bobwrc Former Guest Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Avon, CT Posts: 8	Re: Can anyone identify this antique rimfire rifle? I don't know the purpose of the conical post with a hole & set screw, that is just behind the hammer, but thought that it might be for some sort of accessory sighting device. I have looked real close for any stamped or engraved numbers, wording, etc., on the exterior surfaces, and there are none to be seen. I have never taken the rifle apart, but it would seem logical to me that any identifying markings would be far more likely, on the outside. It is a single shot and regarding loading; it appears that a cartridge was just inserted manually and then the swing type bolt/block with the firing pin is rotated 90 degrees, to the closed position (seen in the first two photos). The hammer has to be cocked manually.

05-13-2012, 09:54 PM	#8
Gabob Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SW GA CSA Posts: 1,162	Re: Can anyone identify this antique rimfire rifle? Looks like the base for a tang sight behind the breech. Wonder what served as extractor? __________________ NRA Endowment Member Keep Your Powder Dry

05-14-2012, 04:47 AM	#10
Hawg Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,586	Re: Can anyone identify this antique rimfire rifle? Proof marks are often hidden or in unusual places.

05-14-2012, 10:58 AM	#11
Bobwrc Former Guest Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Avon, CT Posts: 8	Re: Can anyone identify this antique rimfire rifle? I have looked again, using bright lights, and a magnifier, and there are no visible markings, (letters - numbers - insignia - logos) on any of the exterior components of this rifle. Regarding the extractor; there is one. When the rolling block is swung open, 90 degrees to the left, as shown in the photographs; and the hammer is manually cocked, there is an internal extension type arm on it that has a small lip, or ridge, that moves rearward pulling the shell casing out, by its rim flange. This rifle appears to be very well made. There are no cheap stamped or crudely machined parts visible.