Muzzle-Loader Question - The Firearms Forum

iscariotradio · 10-02-2009, 03:03 PM

My grandfather recently passed away and left me what may possibly be an antique muzzle-loader. I know absolutely nothing about firearms, so I haven't been able to identify the make or verify the authenticity.

It's quite long... possibly 3 1/2 to 4 feet. On the end of the butt of the rifle, there is a gold/brass colored plate with a logo of a bird in a triangle. The barrel bands are also brass/gold colored with a design. I also believe it is a 44mm caliber. But as I said, I know absolutely nothing about guns.

What makes me question the authenticity is that it was made in Brazil, although it does have 'Washington, DC' stamped on it. However, it appears to be very aged.

I'd just like to know if it is authentic and what kind of rifle it is.

If you need any more information at all, feel free to ask.
Pictures will be difficult, but if necessary I can try to make some available.

45nut · 10-02-2009, 03:08 PM

Post some pictures to be sure, but with the "Made in Brazil" and a DC stamp it would seem to indicate that it is a copy and not an antique.

iscariotradio · 10-02-2009, 03:14 PM

I will have pictures up at some point today.
I don't know when it was acquired by my grandfather, but I know it was pre-1960's.
If it is indeed a copy, I'm assuming it's worth nothing?

45nut · 10-02-2009, 03:23 PM

It all depends on the maker and the quality. Do you not want to keep it as a reminder of your Grandfather?

Muzzle loaders are fun to shoot, but there is a pretty good secondary market for them. Look on Guns America for guns like yours for an idea on value.

iscariotradio · 10-02-2009, 03:32 PM

He left me plenty of things that have much more sentimental value. I'm pretty poor and could use all the help I can get... even if it means selling this.

I'll be sure to get those pictures.

Alpo · 10-02-2009, 03:32 PM

I believe you have the caliber wrong. 44 caliber is a little under a half an inch. 44/100 of an inch. 44mm on the other hand, is right at 1 3/4 inches.

I can't find a logo of a bird inside a triangle, but between the "made in Brasil" and the "imported into DC", I'm guessing imported by Garcia, made by Rossi.

10-02-2009, 03:03 PM	#1
iscariotradio Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Muzzle-Loader Question My grandfather recently passed away and left me what may possibly be an antique muzzle-loader. I know absolutely nothing about firearms, so I haven't been able to identify the make or verify the authenticity. It's quite long... possibly 3 1/2 to 4 feet. On the end of the butt of the rifle, there is a gold/brass colored plate with a logo of a bird in a triangle. The barrel bands are also brass/gold colored with a design. I also believe it is a 44mm caliber. But as I said, I know absolutely nothing about guns. What makes me question the authenticity is that it was made in Brazil, although it does have 'Washington, DC' stamped on it. However, it appears to be very aged. I'd just like to know if it is authentic and what kind of rifle it is. If you need any more information at all, feel free to ask. Pictures will be difficult, but if necessary I can try to make some available. --> Last edited by iscariotradio; 10-02-2009 at 03:04 PM..

10-02-2009, 03:08 PM	#2
45nut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,428	Re: Muzzle-Loader Question Post some pictures to be sure, but with the "Made in Brazil" and a DC stamp it would seem to indicate that it is a copy and not an antique. __________________ A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that. Shane Nemo me impune lacesset We recall the case of the Shoshone war band which showed up complete with one 30-30 rifle per man the week after Pearl Harbor, and simply wanted to have the enemy pointed out to them. "We hear there's a war going on and we want to go fight it." Jeff Cooper *KCCO*

10-02-2009, 03:14 PM	#3
iscariotradio Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Re: Muzzle-Loader Question I will have pictures up at some point today. I don't know when it was acquired by my grandfather, but I know it was pre-1960's. If it is indeed a copy, I'm assuming it's worth nothing?

10-02-2009, 03:23 PM	#4
45nut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,428	Re: Muzzle-Loader Question It all depends on the maker and the quality. Do you not want to keep it as a reminder of your Grandfather? Muzzle loaders are fun to shoot, but there is a pretty good secondary market for them. Look on Guns America for guns like yours for an idea on value. __________________ A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that. Shane Nemo me impune lacesset We recall the case of the Shoshone war band which showed up complete with one 30-30 rifle per man the week after Pearl Harbor, and simply wanted to have the enemy pointed out to them. "We hear there's a war going on and we want to go fight it." Jeff Cooper *KCCO*

10-02-2009, 03:32 PM	#5
iscariotradio Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Re: Muzzle-Loader Question He left me plenty of things that have much more sentimental value. I'm pretty poor and could use all the help I can get... even if it means selling this. I'll be sure to get those pictures.

10-02-2009, 03:32 PM	#6
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Muzzle-Loader Question I believe you have the caliber wrong. 44 caliber is a little under a half an inch. 44/100 of an inch. 44mm on the other hand, is right at 1 3/4 inches. I can't find a logo of a bird inside a triangle, but between the "made in Brasil" and the "imported into DC", I'm guessing imported by Garcia, made by Rossi. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.