Original U.S. Pennsylvania Percussion Rifle by Henry E. Leman with Flame Maple Half Stock and Disabled Set Trigger - circa 1850

Original Item: Only One Available. Here is a very nice octagonal barreled "Kentucky" style rifle, which more correctly is known as a Pennsylvania Rifle. It is marked on the lock plate with LEMAN / LANCTR.PA, for maker HENRY E LEMAN, who worked in Lancaster from 1812 until 1887, and we feel this rifle started life as a Percussion weapon, and not a conversion from Flintlock. We do not see any other markings on the metalwork, which is not uncommon.

The rifle features a 37 inch long octagonal barrel with a bore of about 0.35", cut with heavy 7 groove rifling. Overall length is 53 1/4 inches, and the barrel is relatively heavy for accurate shooting, much like "bench rest" rifles of the day. It is half stocked with a white metal nose cap, very popular for rifles during this period. The stock is made from lovely "Flame" figured maple, which really pops in the light, a property known as "Chatoyancy". This desirable wood was plentiful during the 19th Century, found in the abundant maple trees of the time. The rifle is all brass mounted, with a "pistol grip" style trigger guard for a more secure hold, and a lovely brass patch box on the left side of the butt stock.

As with most hunting 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 unfortunately disabled at present, however the front trigger is still able to discharge the lock with a strong trigger pull. As it was intended to have a set trigger, there is no half-cock position on the hammer. There is however a brass cup and fitting on the stock, intended to protect the wood from corrosive powder and primer gasses. The cap nipple cone does show some oxidation and corrosion, however it is still clear. We checked the bore, and the seven groove rifling is still easily visible. There is some past fouling and oxidation in the grooves, however the rifling is still strong, and there are no signs of major oxidation or other damage.

The stock is in very good shape, showing a lovely golden color from centuries of cleaning. These were often coated with a lacquer that darkened a lot over time, however this example is nice and light, we assume from being refinished at some point. The only damage we can see is some cracking of the wood near the barrel tang, a very common place to see this. There is a nice cheek piece carved into the left butt stock, typical of the German style. There is a wooden rod under the barrel, which is decorative only.

A most attractive and interesting Pennsylvania Long Rifle, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1850
Caliber: about 0.35" - Seven Groove Rifling
Cartridge Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 37 Inches
Overall Length: 53 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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