Cool find at my favorite hayfield.

[rharris]

Found this cool rifle plate today. Script reads "Made by Benoni Hills" Any ideas on it's age?

[OxShoeDrew]

wow!!!!
"Through the 18th century Connecticut gunsmiths like Benoni Hills of Goshen produced superb fowling long-barreled..."
https://connecticuthistory.org/a-pioneering-connecticut-firearm/
Looks like a super piece!!!!
...and central NY is close to Goshen, CT

[Lodge Scent]

Awesome find !!!

[Tony Two-Cent]

Great find! :yes:

There is some information about Benoni Hills and his gun business starting on page 3 of this document:

https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1963-B8-The-New-England-Combination-Gun-1730-To-.pdf

[rharris]

Thanks guys!

[Donnie B]

Incredible Find! Wow! :perfect10:

[del]

Congrats on the side plate and great job straightening it out , please share with us the type of method you used .

Danny

[rharris]

Thanks Danny.
I used a heat gun and very slowly tapped with a plastic mallet against a block of wood. Heat and tap, heat and tap. Unfortunately there was already a crack in it, I had to be careful not to make it worse. After it was straight I used a brass brush for cleaning and then Ren wax.
Rich