Shown here is a an original signed Simon Lauck fowler. The distinctive signature S_____ Lauck is shown in the last photo. I had originally believed that this gun was mostly a restoration. However, after a careful and detailed examination of the disassembled gun under expert guidance, I have come to believe that this gun is mostly original and a good example of a product of the Simon Lauck shop.
At some some point this gun was shortened and apparently converted to percussion. Everything from the front thimble forward is a obvious restoration. The stock from the front thimble back appears to be original and unaltered except for the repair of a crack through the lock mortise. The lock appears to have been reconverted to flint, but I believe the lock plate is original to the gun because the lock screws fit the plate and the stock without any obvious modification. I believe that the gap along the bottom of the lock plate is due to the repair through that area. Some of the guard may be a replacement but it is hard to tell.
One important marking to mention is a very bold “LS” stamp on the bottom of the barrel at the breech. I have been told that a barrel with this marking was also observed on a gun from the Haymaker shop. It would seem that there was a barrel maker by the name of “LS” supplying the gun makers in Winchester around 1800. Some more research into this would certainly be in order.
- Overall Length: 62″
- Barrel Length: 46 13/16″
Where is this gun located today? My husband and I were recently in Winchester doing research on my Great(4th back) Grandfather Simon Lauck. We saw the long rifle in the Shenandoah Valley Museum out of the Lauck shop, signed J. Lauck, Simons son. Any information (including book titles) that references Simon Lauck would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Joyce
Joyce,
I sold the Simon Lauck buck and ball gun to the Wilderness Road State Park which is a few miles from the Cumberland Gap and also the home of a recreated Martin’s Station. As far as I know, they still have it in the visitor center.
As to resources, offhand, I have two books with biographies and photos of guns of and by the Laucks. They are Gunsmiths of Virgina and Longrifles of Virginia by James Biser Whisker et al,published by the Old Bedford Press. These are out of print but you might still be able to get a copy on the used book market.
I am sure you know that Simon Lauck Sr. is a seminal figure in Virginia longrifles. If you study his work and the work that followed in the northern Valley of Virginia, you will see the influence. Of course, he was trained in Lancaster, PA, so his work is derivative of the Lancaster style.
I hope this helps.
I own a “S. Lauck” (signature on barrel) cap and ball rifle and wish to know its value. I have been told that not all of the rifle is original but that its barrel IS AN ORIGINAL Lauck as it is signed “S. Lauck” on the barrel. Information is appreciated .
cwb.
A picture of the Lauck barrel (includes picture of signature “S. Lauck”) is available upon request
In order to properly estimate the value of an antique firearm, it must be closely inspected in person, including disassembly. Additionally, you should seek out an appraiser who routinely buys and sells similar antiques. Still, any appraisal you get is just a guess based on previous sales of similar items. Any given item offered for sale is really only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
A value can vary substantially depending on the location of a sale and how well advertised it is; in other words, the potential market. This is why you are likely to get more for something on eBay than Craigslist where you have a national (or international) market instead of a local market.
The current economy also has a lot to do with how much something is worth. The values of all collectibles and antiques were at record highs in 2008, before the collapse of the financial markets. This collapse significantly affected those with the most disposable income and most likely to purchase luxury goods such as antique, or custom made contemporary, firearms. The antique firearms market was been hit hard by the shock to the economy in 2008. The value of most antique firearms is half what it was before 2008. The very best firearms held their value, but the rest were hit hard.
The antique longrifle market has been further impacted by a large number of collections hitting the market right now due to the aging and death of collectors. People with money can get a good deal on average quality longrifles right now. That is not good news for someone with an average longrifle to sell.
If you would like an appraisal on your rifle, I would direct you to Tim Hodges at Aspen Shade Ltd. He is very familiar with Virginia longrifles and should be able to help you with an appraisal or consignment.