I acquired an older, custom made percussion rifle this week. The only markings on the gun are on the lockplate. It reads "E.T. Hobbs" and has the number 760 stamped on the extreme left. I cannot find anything about a gunsmith named E.T. Hobbs, but this appears to be a nicely made long rifle. I will guess that it was made in the 1970's. The inletting and wood to metal fit is excellent and the brass components are well shaped and installed. The stock is very well made and has good color and grain. The barrel has been left in-the-white. The previous owner must have owned the rifle long enough that he got to the point where a scope was necessary (I know the feeling!), since he added scope blocks at some point. I have seen blocks like this before, but am not familiar with the type of rings needed to use them. I will probably remove the blocks and use open sights as long as I can. Anyway, it's a nice gun and only set me back $250, so I think I did well. I slugged the bore and it is a .400 land to land, and .4185 groove to groove. I suppose I will go with a .395 ball. Squirrels and coyotes had better look out! Now, if my wife sees this rifle, then I have had it for years and she has just forgotten about it.