What kind of lever is this?

[rangerider7]

The photo was found in PA. The guess is these guys are gunmakers but I will leave it up to the experts.

[Sixgun]

Ballard single shot

[Chuck 100 yd]

I dont think it`s a lever at all but some kind of muzzle loading target rifle. Looks like a spur on the trigger guard like many Hawken style rifles had.

[Griff]

I don't KNOW the answer, but it appears to be some sort of single shot with an attachment... possibly a pressure barrel?

[Chuck 100 yd]

I think that is some sort of palm rest . It looks to just be adjusted for transport/storage. There were lots of wierd looking target rifles in those days with everyone looking for an edge.

[Ben_Rumson]

I wonder if it's an air rifle and that gizmo on the side is the pump?

[Doc Hudson]

Ballard single shot

I was thinking either Ballard or Hepburn singel-shot with a scope sight.

[Ben_Rumson]

If that is a scope then it is adjusted to shoot way low...

[Hobie]

Back in the ML days, some scopes were mounted along the side and these were used from the back rest position.

It seems to me that it is a muzzleloading rifle with scope. The photo is reversed as MOST of the men are controlling/holding something with their left (but should be right) hands. That's my take on it. If you look at the clothing it is correct for the late ML period. Is there any provenance?

[JerryB]

I thought it mite be some kind of air rifle too.

[awp101]

The photo is reversed as MOST of the men are controlling/holding something with their left (but should be right) hands. That's my take on it. If you look at the clothing it is correct for the late ML period. Is there any provenance?

Does this look more right?

menwithtoolsclose.jpg

Of course it could be a shooting club for lefties...

[Hobie]

I'm looking at how the shirts button and how they crossed their legs as well. Note the track in the side of the gun for the scope (?) to move. The resolution is none too good. Is this YOUR photo? If so can you scan a higher resolution or do you have one?

[rangerider7]

Hobie, no this is not my photo. It came from Eastern Pennsylvania about 1870. The tools could be from the gun-makers. That was the best resolution I could come up with. It is on Ebay #220353308141

[JustaJeepGuy]

Those tools appear to me to be too big for gunmakers. The ball peen hammer might indicate some kind of machinery makers. The inside and outside calipers are also leading in that direction.

[Chuck 100 yd]

Looks like a bunch of guys denoting their trades. The one with the rifle possibly a gunsmith?

[rangerider7]

Chuck100yard, I think you're on to something.

[C. Cash]

My first thought is that it is a "side slapper" or side hammer Muzzleloader. The "lever" is definitely just a trigger guard.

[Mokwaw]

Here's what I think, they are furniture makers.
Looking at rangerider picture back row left to right
Owner foreman (w/gun) draftsman & measurement

front row left to right

cabinet maker mechanic lathe operator


and I don't know what kind gun it is though looks like long range M/L target rifle

[Griff]

I think that is some sort of palm rest . It looks to just be adjusted for transport/storage. There were lots of wierd looking target rifles in those days with everyone looking for an edge.

After studying the pic a little closer, I think this may be the answer. There's some sort of ball at the end of that "rod"(?) that shows against the left elbow the gentleman to his right.

[Rebel1972]

I'm pretty sure that it's an air rifle .After enlarging it a little it looks like the lever has a ball on both ends,kinda like the handle on a drill press.It also doesn't look like it has a hammer .

[Rebel1972]

I'm pretty sure that it's an air rifle .After enlarging it a little it looks like the lever has a ball on both ends,kinda like the handle on a drill press.It also doesn't look like it has a hammer .