Plain rifles for the AMF Co.

[dgras]

I looked at an original J. Gumph rifle last week walnut stocked no patch box, octogon to round 45" barel .50 cal. This gun puzzled me until I reread Rod's post citing Ramsay Crooks ordering Gumph rifle at two different prices. 18% difference in price between the plain $11.00 and ornamented $13.00 rifles. I am beginning to think this price may have represented not only wrist and check piece inlays but also a patch box! I also am reconsidering the importance of lighter smooth rifles with such long barrels as more commonly used than we think today.
Just some new thoughts on trade rifles outside the traditional thought.
Dale