Is this legit?

[Team4LongGun]

Old timer friend has this ML. It is stamped “James Bown”

He would like to know if it’s authentic or a replica, and its approximate value.

 

[RockAndSage]

Old timer friend has this ML. It is stamped “James Bown”

He would like to know if it’s authentic or a replica, and its approximate value. View attachment 1007387View attachment 1007386

That lock looks like a Tryon-style lock, which is very uncommon - their spring is kinda "backwards" facing compared to other standard flint and percussion locks. The gun also does have a lot of patina, and things look pretty old. Just be aware that especially in the 1980s, there were some exceptional forgers out there leveraging the muzzleloader craze that emerged with Jeremiah Johnson, The Mountain Men, etc. But it's definitely interesting enough that it should be appraised by a legitimate expert, and considered a possible original until proven otherwise. Would love to see more detailed photos.

 

[RockAndSage]

Photos of screws, underside of barrel...those can be helpful in sussing out an original vs reproduction. That barrel band/front sight looking thing could be indicative of something as well, as I've never seen something quite like that before on any of the modern repros I've been around.

 

[Team4LongGun]

Photos of screws, underside of barrel...those can be helpful in sussing out an original vs reproduction. That barrel band/front sight looking thing could be indicative of something as well, as I've never seen something quite like that before on any of the modern repros I've been around.

He did tell me the front sight “shroud” was made by his uncle, along with the aluminum ram rod.
I’ll take more photos when I go back.