Original U.S. Lancaster County Pennsylvania Percussion Rifle with Half Stock & Set Trigger - circa 1850

Original Item: Only One Available. Just purchased out of an old Pennsylvania collection! 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 substantial .35" caliber 36-inch long octagonal barrel with 7 groove rifling, one of the standard calibers we usually see these in. This 51 1/2-inch long example is typical of the style of rifle made in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and is a bit more utilitarian in design, though it still does have some lovely figuring to the American Black Walnut stock.

There are no markings on the rifle that we can see, except for a faint WARRANTED on the "trade lock" fitted to the rifle, which also shows a lovely "hunting scene" engraving on the tail. We estimate that this octagonal barrel rifle was made about 1850, and it features mostly brass alloy mountings, with a white metal nose cap. It has a lovely half length stock in very good condition, which is made of walnut that shows some lovely figuring, especially in the butt stock area. There is no cracking or other damage that we can see, and it really is in great shape.

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, this example does not have any provision for a half cock position. The hammer is cocked, and then cannot be fired until the rear trigger is "set", after which a very light touch of the front trigger discharges the lock. The rear trigger can be set first, but that would defeat the purpose of setting the trigger, and also be unsafe.

The bore is in good condition, with with clear rifling and a partly bright finish, showing wear to the lands from use, as well as some powder fouling and oxidation. There is a simple brass fit wooden cleaning rod installed, which is most likely a working life replacement.

A very nice utilitarian example of a mid 19th Century "Pennsylvania" rifle, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: approx .35" seven groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 36 Inches
Overall Length: 51 1/2 Inches
Action type: Back Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.