Several years ago I picked up a real dog of a Lanes Musketeer. There was no bluing left, long since replaced by rust. There is part of the foresight remaining stuck in its grove which looks to be left from a botched attempt at removal. The 2 trigger screws have been b*****ed by the wrong screwdrivers. The trigger guard screw is a brass replacement I am guessing. The stock is riddled with woodworm holes, some leading to areas of surface collapse and there is a chunk out of the heel of the stock. The metal butt plate is really corroded and one of the screws is a modern wood screw. Oh yes and the cocking link is a little curved so it may have had an inappropriate spring at some point.

Sounds really rubbish but all the numbers match and she cocked and fired ok. In my view well worth saving to use. Even though she us rare she will never be the belle of the ball!

So what have I done in the several years she has been in my custody? Not much really. I treated the woodworm and removed the stock revealing that the stock bolts threads had crumbled. Luckily there was enough thread on it to get a modern replacement from a local specialist nuts and bolts supplier.

I have finally built up the courage to go beyond the partial strip down and take her completely apart. Wish me luck and expect many threads with many questions!

Rich