[jdavis]

If that was lost in 1812 and not found until nearly 100 years later, little would be left of the wooden stock. I don’t see any means for a trigger action to be in this gun as pictured. Considering the drawings, it is most likely that this is a toy gun that some kid playing cowboys and Indians lost fairly close to the time that is was discovered.

 

[jdavis]

MontanaMac, I think you've identified it. A Pope Brothers Rifle Air Pistol minus the barrel and the shoulder stock. Never saw one of these before. Nicely done!

I have to say that this makes more sense. The tube above the trigger and stock houses the action works and with the addition of the missing barrel it becomes clear. Good work MontanaMac!