Bought this at an auction as a basket case. The butt had been broken off at the wrist, and the fore end had been worn/buffed all the way to the barrel. Best i could figure is that it had ridden on the horn of a saddle for a long time. A previous owner had either tried to re-line it or re-chamber it at home. They were only off center by 1/8 of an inch in 2 1/2 inches. The action was in good working order, but had surface rust on 95%, and was starting to pit.
   I had a trustworthy gunsmith polish the action to preserve the lettering and serial number. Then was sent to Turnbull for CC hardening. The barrel is a 45-70 Badger. I did the stock work in curly maple, with a pewter fore end and a capbox to store sight inserts.

Another wonderful save of a rare old gun! I just purchased a Whitney-Laidley last Nov. at the Reno gun show, and mine is also .45-70 caliber. I'm fascinated with the Laidley improvements on the Rolling Block, and love the way they work!

Very nice rifle. Good looking stain on the maple.
Chuck

frnkeore wrote on Mar 15^th, 2016 at 1:46pm:


Sounds like the Whitney Laidley Type I Civilian Carbine Frank. But the caliber is surprising. Flayderman's says they were .46 RF, .44 RF, .44 CF calibers. Flayderman's also states the .46 had a 19.5" barrel, but the other two calibers were 18.5" barrels. They also had a forearm band, like most carbines, and the retainer on the right side as you saw.