Original U.S. Civil War Era Half Stocked Percussion Heavy Barrel Target Rifle by Jaob Hapgood with Long Range Sight - circa 1845

Original Item: Only One Available. Just purchased at a recent military auction! This is a very nice U.S. Civil War era heavy barreled percussion target rifle, typical of those used by early Yankee / Union sharpshooters during the conflict. The design is somewhat reminiscent of the "Pennsylvania" or "Kentucky" rifles of the time, but it is definitely a bit less curved and more robust in shape. It features a 30 inch long half-octagon barrel with 6 groove rifling and a bore of .35", one of the typical sizes in use at the time. Overall length is 46" and the barrel is VERY heavy for accurate shooting, much like "bench rest" rifles of the day, and in this case the barrel walls are just as wide as the bore!

This example looks to have come from the Massachusetts area, as it is signed on the lock plate with J·HAPGOOD, for known maker Jaob Hapgood, who operated in the Shrewsbury area outside of Boston, starting his business in approximately 1834 after leaving the Shrewsbury Rifle Company. Initially, Joab made New England flintlock rifles and smoothbores, both full stock and half stock models, as well as fowling pieces and pistols. Around 1842, he began to manufacture percussion type guns. In 1847 he moved his retail business from Shrewsbury to Boston to become an importer, manufacturer and dealer of guns, pistols, revolvers and sporting goods. We estimate this example was made around 1850, before the move to Boston

The rifle is fitted with all "German Silver" fittings, most of which are engraved with with lovely designs, including a hunting hound on the bottom of the trigger guard. The lock plate is also engraved, and it is functional, though a hard trigger pull can cause it to fire at half cock. These often come fitted with long range sights, and this example is no exception, having been fitted with a lovely "globe" front sight with a "ball on pin" inside, and the rear sight is an aperture sight in a tube, set back on a long spring over the barrel tang. There is a small threaded adjustment on the barrel tang, which is currently frozen. We can also see that there were other sights fitted in the past. It is typical of sights that were used during the mid 19th century. 

The rifle is in overall very good condition, with wear commensurate with age and service.  The stock looks to be walnut, and has a lovely deep red brown color, looking to have been varnished long ago. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish, with just a bit of wear evident. It was definitely well cared for during its service life. There is no ramrod under the barrel.

This fine rifle has a good chance of being one of many pressed into service in the early part of the Civil War by the Union. A very fine example in very collectable condition.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1850
Caliber: approx .35" five groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 46 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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