Cool find at my favorite hayfield.

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

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

Awesome find !!!

Great find! :yes:

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

https://americansocietyofarmscollect...n-1730-To-.pdf

Thanks guys!

Incredible Find! Wow! :perfect10:

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

Danny

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