New Member In Virginia

[Woodcock survey]

I wonder if this gun is loaded. Your theory of leaned against a post and lost is a valid one. Of course the weather factors that destroyed the gun would probably have ruined powder and priming by now but a rod down the barrel measured for length compared to length of barrels would tell you if it is.
Old gun dealer friend used to buy a lot of muzzle loading guns and we were surprised to find many with a charge in the barrel.