Original U.S. Half Stocked Percussion Hunting Rifle by H.W. White with Trade Lock by Golcher & Set Trigger - circa 1840

Original Item: Only One Available. Just purchased at a recent military auction! Here is an octagonal barreled very nice "Pennsylvania" style rifle, often referred to as a "Kentucky" Rifle. The design developed in Pennsylvania, and then spread down the Ohio River Valley to Kentucky, where it was very popular. It has a heavy .54" caliber octagonal barrel with 7 groove rifling, a bit larger than we usually see. It is marked on the top of the barrel with:

H.W. WHITE
WARRANTED
JACKSON.O

H.W. White is a known maker based in Jackson, Ohio, who operated during the middle 19th century. We have seen several other examples of similar rifles by them, though it is not clear if they produced the barrels themself, or whether they were made elsewhere. Jackson is located in Southern Ohio, about 30 miles north of the Ohio River where it bends around the southern end of the state. The style and appointments are very typical of the rifles made in the Western Pennsylvania/Eastern Ohio River areas, with more of an up-turn to the butt stock.

The rifle features a very nice British side action trade lock, which is marked with the makers information on a banner:

J. GOLCHER

JOSEPH GOLCHER was an English gunsmith based on KING STREET, DARLASTON in STAFFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND, who worked from 1830 to 1865. We have had several examples of "Pennsylvania rifles" bearing his fine locks, and estimate this example was made circa 1840. The lock plate also has some lovely floral line engraving, as well a "hunting scene" on the tail, showing game fowl.

The rifle features all brass mounts save for the white metal nose cap on the front of the half stock, with very little in the way of ornamentation. There is no cheek piece on the left side of the stock, but it does have a very nice "pistol grip" style trigger guard. The half length stock in very good condition, and looks to be made of walnut, which shows a lovely dark matured color. There is no major damage we can see, just some small cracks near the breech area.

As with most Pennsylvania rifles, this example is fitted with a "set trigger", where depressing the rear trigger first until it clicks and just touching the front trigger discharges the weapon, hopefully with great accuracy. It is fully functional at present, and the rear trigger must be "set" before the front trigger can fire at all. There is no half cock position for this reason.

The bore is in very good condition, with with clear rifling and a dull finish, showing some wear to the lands from use. It was at some point coated on the interior with cosmoline, so we cannot completely visualize the condition at present. There is a simple brass fit wooden cleaning rod installed, which is just for display.

A very nice example of a mid 19th Century "Pennsylvania" hunting rifle in a large 0.54" bore, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1840
Caliber: approx .54" seven groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 39 Inches
Overall Length: 54 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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