Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Traditional Firearms => Caplock Pistols => Topic started by: Captchee on July 06, 2011, 10:37:39 AM

Title: LePage
Post by: Captchee on July 06, 2011, 10:37:39 AM
I didn’t plan on posting this tell it was finished . But since I posed photos on another forum to help a person out , I guess I’ll post them here as well .
 This is the  project  I been working on and mentioned a couple times that is taking a lot of time .
At this point  I still have a lot of finish work  and cleanup to do . Not to mention   building the adjustable sight   with the mechanics under the tang , all the engraving , gold and silver inlay to the barrel ……… just seems like its never ending .
So here are some of the particulars

Stock is purple hart “as per customer “
Barrel is a 11 inch  Douglas of 45 Cal “cal as per customer “  Fluted by me .
 Breech , tang  and all hardware you see , I have built.  This includes the lock, single set  trigger , TG,
Pommel final and plate .
 This will be a boxed pistol so I also have the lined and padded box  as well as  all the support tools for the pistol to build yet . To include
 Patch ,cap and ball  boxes
 Cleaning rod and tips
Loading rod and mallet
 Nipple wrench .
Ball mould
 I will say that this has to be the most difficult project I have ever done .
Also please know that   when I took these photos , the parts were just setting to the stock  . IE they were not tightened down.
as i said i had not planned on posting this yet  but i promised a couple folks that when i did post photos , i would post them here on the TMA as well  

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/captchee/Rifles/DSC01285.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/captchee/Rifles/DSC01284.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/captchee/Rifles/DSC01286.jpg)
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: Stormrider51 on July 06, 2011, 01:41:59 PM
Beautiful work!  

John
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: Bigsmoke on July 06, 2011, 02:32:41 PM
If it shoots as good as it looks - watch out.
WOW, sweet!!!
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: Spotted Bull on July 06, 2011, 06:56:24 PM
Cap, what kinda sights are ya gonna use?
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: Captchee on July 06, 2011, 07:12:57 PM
the sights will be  hand made .
 the thing to know is that while its commonly called a laPage , this type of pistol was made by many diffrent makers .
 so the front sight can be a pin with a round  type of dove tail all the way to a small  block and smaller dove tail . the rear sights can range from a simple fence type sight , to a fence which hight is regulated by a screw  thats just forward of the trigger bolt .
this is the type of sight ill will end up useing .
 here is a photo of an original
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/captchee/Rifles/_70CU13.jpg)
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: Forager on July 07, 2011, 08:57:16 PM
Cap;

Knowing, firsthand, what finished, well-oiled, and handled purple heart looks like... Man, that is going to be an absolute stunner of a pistol.

Fantastic work!
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: Captchee on July 08, 2011, 09:30:34 AM
i would agree  about the purple hart .
 i was a little apprehensive at first  because I thought it should be ebony . But that much ebony was more then the cost of a  curly maple rifle stock blank .
  But MAN is that purple hart hard . HOLLY molly . While you cant see it in the photos , its also figured and  somewhat tiger striped  from the belly of the forearm all the way back behind the lock
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: Forager on July 08, 2011, 10:09:19 AM
Ebony would have been simply stunning.  The purple heart is nigh as hard as woodpecker lips, and when done up right, it'll simply impress in both appearance and function.

Can't wait to see the finished product.
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: Forager on July 10, 2011, 11:07:50 AM
Actually had my hands on that LaPage yesterday. It weighs nothing in the hand, is better looking than the pics illustrate, and (most importantly), it points and handles like it has eyes.

It shines, in all respects.
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: sse on July 10, 2011, 07:16:31 PM
Fascinating project, Cap...my druthers was to pick up one of the Taylor Lapage's, but the price on them really took off.  Maybe one day.
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: Captchee on July 10, 2011, 08:56:35 PM
thank you for the  kind words Forager. sure whas nice to meet you . did you enjoy your trip up 95?
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: Captchee on July 11, 2011, 12:09:35 PM
Quote from: "sse"
Fascinating project, Cap...my druthers was to pick up one of the Taylor Lapage's, but the price on them really took off.  Maybe one day.
Ya SSE , they are not cheep and I can tell you why  first hand .
 Thinking on this   one should be able to build a simply plain one for around 5-700 for parts  “not including labor”
 The lock and breech set up  will be the hard part  and your looking at buying castings which will then add to the labor cost .
 This one im building   is 3000.00 and that doesn’t include the “Current value cost “ of the gold and silver  work that’s yet to come  .
Realistically im thinking  work wise , im only maybe ˝ way through  this project , if that
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: sse on July 11, 2011, 12:20:29 PM
Wow...

About five years ago, when the idea was suggested by Rondo, I looked into the Taylor imported La Page replicas from Armi Sport (Italy).  At that time, the prices were set, but the availability was iffy.  Not sure if that has improved.  Anyway I could have gotten both the pistol and nice display case for about $400.00.  I'm sure it's $600.00, or more, now, if you can even get them.
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: Captchee on July 11, 2011, 01:10:07 PM
Well , new you could be about 200 low  depending on where you by and what you buy .
 The Pedersoli  LaPage I have seen go used for as low as 300.00 and as high as 7
 New they run around 7-2000. Depending on the model .
   Its not uncommon to see the  basic Pedersoli LaPage at just over 800  without a case .
 While their  high end with a case is over 2200.00

 But as I stated earlier . The thing with the LaPage is that   is Kind of just became a name to describe  this style of pistol . Kind of like Hawkens has become  the name  that most folks use for a plains rifle . See LaPage was just a maker  that’s name has become synonymous with this type of pistol  .
You will see that if you do a Google for LaPage pistols and then look at the photo link .
What you will also see is a whole lot of different type locks and bolsters .
So  you could  make something far cheaper. say in the 500 rage  by using a small round faced lock or any number of readily available  side locks  and place it  onto this style of stock . IE see the Pedersoli  or even something along the lines of the much cheaper  Traditions which I don’t believe is offered anymore .

So could I make a pistol  and call it a LaPage  that was much cheaper?
OHHHHhh ya .
 Hear would be a list of readly available parts
 Figure walnut stock =45.00
Parts from ToW
#plug-HP-15-5=38.60
GM barrel=52.95
L&R single set trigger = 57.75
Small round faced or flat face Davis Becky lock = 129.96
TG=10.95
Sights front and rear 15.00
Not from ToW
 Custom Casting a pewter pommel   say 20.00

 Total parts =370.21
 Labor  for simply stock , no  carving , no engraving . Just inlet and finish work . 200.00
 So  your in the  570.21.
Spend another 20.00 and get a cheep display case from Dixie and  your still under 600.00 for a quality piece of much higher quality then you would get with a production gun . be it  one of the pedersoli pieces or the lower modified traditions .
 But will it ever be a boxed  single  or set,  like this nery high end original LaPage ?
NOPE .
will it shoot as good ? ya probably .
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/captchee/Rifles/3491-1BOX2big3.jpg)

so you see its all about what your after
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: Forager on July 12, 2011, 06:13:40 PM
Quote from: "Captchee"
thank you for the  kind words Forager. sure whas nice to meet you . did you enjoy your trip up 95?

My pleasure meeting you, and having you show me around your place a bit.  Lovely location, VERY fine firearms, and a cool dog.  I'm looking forward to getting out here permanently and getting up with you and some of the other fellas on a few of those treks and hunts.

The trip up 95 was fantastic.  For the skidmark that is I-95 on the (L)east coast, Rte. 95 in Idaho is a wonder.  Simply beautiful.  Saw many sights I want to bring the wife out to see, have friends who can and will appreciate it see, and places I want to fish, camp, and hunt.  

Thanks again.

Oh, and that LaPage is still going to be a stunner.
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: Captchee on August 30, 2011, 05:06:21 PM
ok so finaly im finished with this .
 now pleas understand  tha a photographer im not . but here the LePage is
 the box is oiled teak  with dark blue velvet
 loading rod is Purple hart and ebony  

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/captchee/Rifles/DSC01290.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/captchee/Rifles/DSC01300.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/captchee/Rifles/Dsc01326.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/captchee/Rifles/Dsc01321.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/captchee/Rifles/Dsc01309.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/captchee/Rifles/DSC01316.jpg)
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: sse on August 30, 2011, 05:11:44 PM
That explains why you haven't been on the internet so much...beautiful.
Title: Re: LePage
Post by: Captchee on August 30, 2011, 05:23:36 PM
thank you SSE  , its been  6 month ordeal from start to finish .
some things changed . originally the engraving on the barrel and tang was to be all gold and silver inlays . But do to the increase cost  it was left out  .
 I had also planned to do gold leaf work on the velvet . But without the gold on the gun , it was just to much  and IMO would have  distracted from the pistol .
 Someday I hope to  learn how to take better photos . But for now   they are what they are
Title: Re: LePage
Post by: Captchee on August 30, 2011, 05:43:56 PM
sorry one of the photos above makes it look like there are big gaps around the tang . there isnt  here is a better angle
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/captchee/Rifles/DSC01322.jpg)
Title: Re: LePage
Post by: Swamp on August 31, 2011, 05:58:50 AM
WOW!  :bow  :bow
Title: Re: LePage
Post by: Roaddog on August 31, 2011, 06:25:24 AM
A real work of art Capt. I have never seen anything quite like it before. :hairy
Title: Re: LePage
Post by: sse on August 31, 2011, 10:15:28 AM
Quote
Someday I hope to learn how to take better photos
I agree, Cap, your photos aint worth a tinker's dam...!  crud!
Title: Re: LePage
Post by: W. Welshman on September 01, 2011, 10:42:56 AM
Nice job Cap
Title: Re: LePage
Post by: snake eyes on September 09, 2011, 09:06:15 AM
Quote from: "sse"
Quote
Someday I hope to learn how to take better photos
I agree, Cap, your photos aint worth a tinker's dam...!  crud!

sse,
      I agree also.  :Doh! What was I thinkin!!!!
Title: Re: LePage
Post by: BEAVERMAN on September 09, 2011, 09:54:21 AM
outstanding Cap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: LePage
Post by: Captchee on September 09, 2011, 10:35:10 AM
thank you Jim .
 im half tempted to take my X700 out and set up a tripod  and see if i can take better photos LOL
 But then  I would have to have the film developed . Then upload it ………
So the photos are what they are .
 Especially considering that while Niter bluing a barrel a cylinder on a 1851  last Saturday  , a seagull decided to target my Niter pot  as  a flock flew over ..
   I had just taken off my gloves and face shield . Was standing about 3 ft away  smoking my pipe . :?
 So now I guess ill be adding a lean-to to the side of my shop   before i do anymore of that
Title: Re: LePage
Post by: BEAVERMAN on September 09, 2011, 12:55:27 PM
Quote from: "Captchee"
thank you Jim .
 im half tempted to take my X700 out and set up a tripod  and see if i can take better photos LOL
 But then  I would have to have the film developed . Then upload it ………
So the photos are what they are .
 Especially considering that while Niter bluing a barrel a cylinder on a 1851  last Saturday  , a seagull decided to target my Niter pot  as  a flock flew over ..
   I had just taken off my gloves and face shield . Was standing about 3 ft away  smoking my pipe . :?
 So now I guess ill be adding a lean-to to the side of my shop   before i do anymore of that


OOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope ya heal fast buddy, I know what 2nd and 3rd degree burns feel like, not fun!
Title: Re: LePage
Post by: sse on September 09, 2011, 01:00:27 PM
Quote
The result is I got 2nd and 3rd deg burns on two of my fingers on my right hand .
Ouch...hope that heals up real good without any problems.  Whaddya feedin them birds, anyways...?
Title: Re: LePage
Post by: Captchee on September 09, 2011, 10:10:11 PM
Quote from: "sse"
Quote
The result is I got 2nd and 3rd deg burns on two of my fingers on my right hand .
Ouch...hope that heals up real good without any problems.  Whaddya feedin them birds, anyways...?

 

 LOL it wasn’t  what they had eaten . it was the cold liquid pooop hitting the hot  4 lbs of  liquid saltpeter LOL
 Actually there isn’t much pain as the burns are bad enough that they burn the nerve ends .
Tuesday they  cut off the dead skin and scrubbed  the burns .
 Now that hurt like a @#$$##$$$$ he#$ .
Doc says ill lose the feeling in those areas permanently. But  frankly , I don’t have much feeling in my hands  from years of  hammering anyway . So not really a concern .
 What pain I do have is  way up my arm  in the elbow and shoulder . Doc says this is caused by  telegraphing  from the nerves and bruised tendons  
 But at least the swelling has gone down and  now  I just have big sores  on the 2 fingers.
Everything moves ok  so that’s a big plus
Title: Re: LaPage
Post by: huntinguy on September 12, 2011, 04:08:49 PM
Quote from: "Captchee"
 But MAN is that purple hart hard . HOLLY molly . While you cant see it in the photos , its also figured and  somewhat tiger striped  from the belly of the forearm all the way back behind the lock

Where I work they use it, instead of iron wood, to protect the tails of airplanes when the do the emergency take-off test. It is hard, and some people (like me) are allergic to the dust.

What are you doing with seagulls in Idaho? don't them birds know it is one state from the ocean? Or, did you bring them with you when you left the service so you wouldn't get lonesome?  :lol sign

Hope you heal up quickly and there is no permanent damage. Hurts to see anyone, especially as skilled as you are, being damaged.
Title: Re: LePage
Post by: prairie dog on October 15, 2012, 08:41:10 AM
Cap,

That pistol is stunning!

Sorry to hear about your injury.  Your bird's got better aim than I do.