Original U.S. Civil War Era Half Stocked Child Sized Percussion Target Rifle with Single Set Trigger - circa 1850

Original Item: Only One Available. Just purchased at a recent military auction! This is a very nice U.S. Civil War era percussion target rifle, in this case in "child size", or possibly "lady's size". It measures only 39 1/4" in length, and is fitted with a heavy two stage part octagon part round barrel that is 16 sided at the transition. This is in a small .31" caliber, with eight groove rifling, and the rifle was definitely intended for target use, but definitely for a smaller person. The heavy weight reduced recoil significantly, while also increasing accuracy, definitely important when the overall length is so short.

We checked the entire rifle, and we were not able to find markings of any type, however it definitely shows a high level of manufacture, much like "Pennsylvania" and "Kentucky" rifles we have seen in the past. It is half-stocked, featuring all "German Silver" cupronickel alloy fittings, which are highly decorative. The trigger guard is a "pistol grip" style, and thee are inlays on both sides of the stock, including on the cheek piece on the left side of the stock. The right side has a lovely patch box, which can still be opened easily. The front of the barrel is fitted with a globe "ball on post" sight, and there is a rear aperture "peep" sight".

As with most target and sharpshooter rifles, this example is fitted with a "set trigger", though in this case it is a 'single' type. The trigger is "set" by pushing it forward, after which the hammer can be moved to the half and fully cocked positions. It will then fire when the trigger is just touched lightly, which discharges the weapon, hopefully with great accuracy. The hammer will not hold at either half or full cock until the trigger is set, and after it is set it will fire at both full or half cock, so it may require adjustment. Please note that trigger require quite a bit of force to move it forward to "set" it.

The rifle is in overall very good condition, with wear commensurate with age and service. It looks to have been restored and repaired in the past, and we can see wood graft repairs on both sides of the wood line by the barrel, as well as some around the escutcheons for the barrel wedge. There are even some around the front of the lock plate. The stock still has a lovely red brown color, and the old American Black Walnut really glows. The bore is in very good condition and still shows the eight groove rifling well, with some past fouling and oxidation in the grooves. There is a simple wooden cleaning rod installed, which is just for display.

A lovely example of a scaled down mid 19th century target rifle, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1855
Caliber: approx .31" eight groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 24 Inches
Overall Length: 39 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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