Some time has passed and today was the first time I had a chance to properly shoot the gun so I thought it is a good time for an update :-)

Over the time I rust-blued the barrel and discovered it is made of twist steel. Remade the nipple for a better fit. I fixed the wood (Light colored inserts were done previously but someone else. I would've matched the wood). I remade a couple screws so they look properly now. I "reproofed" it with 250grain load of powder and 2 ounces of shot.

I ordered a round ball mold for the gun. Nominal size is 0.805, but it casts 0.802. As the gun is actually 0.803 it shoots a naked ball pretty well. (with 135 grains of 1.5fg).

So I would like to ask. Is there any record of those guns being used with a naked ball originally?