Original U.S. Civil War Era New England Under Hammer Turret Breech Percussion Target Rifle with Flame Maple Half Stock - circa 1855

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 23 inch long octagonal barrel with 7 groove rifling and a bore of .40", one of the typical sizes in use at the time. Overall length is 41" and the barrel is quite heavy for accurate shooting, much like "bench rest" rifles of the day.

This very interesting example is completely unmarked, but is very similar to other examples we have seen from the New England area. It is an under hammer design with an internal lock, and in this case is also a breech loader, with a "turret" style rotating breech. A lever on the left side of the breech rotates the cylinder with the breech in it into the loading position facing upwards, after which it can be loaded with a charge and bullet. Once loaded, the breech would be moved to the firing position, a cap fitted to the nipple cone, and the hammer cocked. There is no half-cock position, as most likely the nipple cone would not be fitted until the user was ready to fire. The breech and lock are fully functional, and the long straight trigger indicates it is a "set trigger", discharged by a very light trigger pull.

The top of the barrel has and adjustable spring rear sight, similar to those used on Winchester rifles, and the front sight is a nickel silver blade. There is however also a rear "peep" aperture sight mounted to the tang of the action. It is a long spring with a movable support underneath that fits into grooves cut into the tang. The top aperture flips into place for firing, and then can be put back down out of the way.

The rifle is in overall very good condition, with wear commensurate with age and service. The metalwork shows a lovely worn plum patina, with some areas showing the original bluing well. There are minimal fittings to the rifle, which is mostly just a barrel with a rear stock, however it may be one of the best looking rear stocks we have ever seen. It is made entirely from flame figured maple with a high level of "chatoyancy", which really flip flops in the light. It has a lot of "depth" to the curl in the grain, and is highly attractive. We checked the bore, and it is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is some past oxidation and fouling, now removed, but it is definitely well above the typical examples we see.

A lovely example of a New England under hammer percussion target rifle with a very interesting "turret" breech, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1855
Caliber: approx .40" seven groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 23 Inches
Overall Length: 41 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Breech Loading "Turret"

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