Custom RWC Flintlock Long Rifle 31″ Swamped Barrel .58 Caliber Handmade
SOLD FOR: $1,051.00
LSB#: LSB250722RL012
Make: Custom (unsigned)
Model: Flintlock Long Rifle
Serial Number: None (as is typical for muzzleloaders)
Year of Manufacture: Modern reproduction (not classified as a firearm under federal law)
Caliber: .60 caliber, measured at the muzzle
Action Type: Flintlock, single-shot muzzleloader
Barrel Length: 31″ swamped octagonal barrel
Markings: The top flat of the barrel is hand-engraved “R W C”. The lockplate, tang, buttplate, triggerguard, wrist and toe escutcheons, and sideplate display hand-engraved scroll and foliate patterns in the Rococo style. Relief carving surrounds the tang, lock panels, and wrist. No maker’s name or serial number is present.
Sights / Optics: Dovetailed blade front sight and a fixed rear notch sight at the breech.
Stock Configuration & Condition: One-piece walnut fullstock with raised cheekpiece, relief carving, and extensive engraved German-silver-style furniture. The stock remains smooth with only scattered light handling marks and no cracks observed. A wooden ramrod with distinctive styling is included, adding interest to the build.
Type of Finish: Bright/antiqued steel with engraved German-silver-style furniture; oiled wood.
Finish Originality: Original to the build.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and sharp with strong rifling. There is no visible fouling or erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: Very Good-plus custom build with light oxidation/surface rust and freckling around the pan and frizzen, and only minor handling marks on the stock and furniture. The hand engraving and relief carving remain crisp and highly detailed. Condition Percentage Retained: approximately 90–92%. This will clean up with little effort.
Mechanics: The lock functions correctly, holding at both half- and full-cock. The frizzen snaps crisply into place, and the trigger releases cleanly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. Black-powder arms should always be inspected by a competent gunsmith before loading, and only appropriate black powder or substitutes with properly sized patched round balls should be used.
Accessories: One interesting ramrod.
Our Assessment:
This custom-built long rifle captures the classic American flintlock tradition with a large-bore .60 caliber swamped barrel, ornate Rococo-style engraving, and hand-carved walnut stock. Its graceful lines, raised cheekpiece, and elegant furniture reflect the influence of 18th- and early 19th-century Pennsylvania/Kentucky rifles, while its heavier bore suggests it was built for power as much as showmanship.
The lock is tight and responsive, the furniture engraving is crisp, and the carved stock adds visual appeal. The bright, sharp bore indicates the rifle has been carefully preserved, and the inclusion of an unusual ramrod underscores the hand-crafted nature of the build. The engraved “R W C” initials on the barrel likely mark the builder or original owner, adding a touch of personality to the piece.
This rifle would serve equally well in a living-history or reenactment role, as a black-powder shooter’s hunting companion, or as a striking display in a collector’s rack. For those who enjoy both sparks and smoke or the artistry of traditional American gunmaking, this example delivers in form and function. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to take a look at the condition of the revolver in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
