Original U.S. Civil War Era Half Stocked Percussion Heavy Barrel Target Rifle with A.W. Spies Lock and Long Range Tube Sight - circa 1850

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 32 inch long half-octagon barrel with 6 groove rifling and a bore of .36", one of the typical sizes in use at the time. Overall length is 48 3/8" 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!

As with many rifles produced during this period, it is fitted with a "trade lock", which is worn but still shows a relatively clear A·W·SPIES marking. Research indicates that Adam W. Spies (1800-1891) operated in New York, originally partnered with Christopher Wolfe and R. Smith Clark until 1833, after which he went out on his own, with a shop at 192 Pearl Street. He would later retire from A.W. Spies & Co. in 1850 and spend the rest of his life t selling fire insurance, as he had been very involved with the Volunteer Fire Department of New York.

The rifle is fit mostly with brass, except for the nose cap, which looks to be zinc or some other "white metal". These often come fitted with long range sights, and this example is no exception, with a 36 inch long brass tube sight mounted to the top of the barrel, with an adjustment mounted to the barrel tang. It is still clear, and the pin at front is fully intact, though the inside is a bit dirty and/or oxidized. There is no type of lens in the sight, so it does not provide any amount of modification, and 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 color, showing some staining on the left side of the butt stock. 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 a wooden ramrod under the barrel, which is probably a period replacement.

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 .46" six groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 48 3/8 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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